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It’s spring in the desert, and the flora and fauna are booming here in the Morongo Basin.
But there is a particular combination of those two things that don’t go together – – small animals and foxtail grass.
A common name given to a number of grasses, foxtails are sprouting up in yards, roadsides, and even the National Park. But they shouldn’t be.
Foxtails in general are invasive, and specific species, the red brome, is particularly present here in the hi-desert.
Madena Asbell, the Director of Conservation for the Mojave Desert Land Trust, explains.
“Foxtail refers to a type of grass that looks like a fox tail. Red brome is very invasive. It’s been in southern California since the late 1800s, and has been widespread throughout the hi-desert since the 1950s. The seeds germinate in the winter, we start to see it when the desert greens up.”
“Unfortunately it is an invasive plant that’s not from our area, it does not provide benefits to our wildlife, and in fact, it can be quite harmful. The seedhead has a barb in them which makes them problematic for pets and wildlife, because they tend to get stuck.
Dr. Brenna Lynn Timmerman, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine out of Landers described the problems that foxtails can cause in pets, specifically dogs.
“Dogs have coats on their leg, and they can pick them as they are walking along. That’s the most common route of problem for them. They pick them up in the skin, and they ingest them from grooming, or they travel up the leg or into the paw. They have little barbs on them, so once they stick in the tissue, they don’t come out again. It’s like a fish hook.”
What can concerned dog owner to do protect their precious pup?
“The best thing you can do is check your pet after its been outside. Go through the paws, go through the ears, sometimes the butt cheeks tend to be a little extra hairy. Definitely check the paws.”
And what should you do if you see a foxtail in your dog’s fur.
“Most often you can just dislodge it yourself. If it goes a couple days, that’s when we worry about it embedding in the skin. If it’s not hot and swollen, you’re okay. If it’s infected, take your animal into a vet.”
But it’s not just dogs that are in danger. Madena Asbell says that foxtails pose a threat to desert tortoises as well.
“Tortoises east whatever vegetation they happen across, be it native or non-native. Tortoises who that eat brome are at risk of getting those awns lodged in their jaws, in their mouths, and eyes. It can cause injury and lead to starvation and death.”
Foxtails are everywhere right now, but we can still be vigilant. If you see them in your yard, do your part to eliminate the threat to pets and wildlife, and keep them from spreading.
Asbell advises, “I recommend that property owners remove them. Pull them out when you see them, bag them, don’t just leave them on the ground or compost them, because they seeds can continue to disperse.”
