Foxtail (diaspore)

The name "foxtail" is applied to a number of grasses that have bushy spikes of spikelets that resemble the tail of a fox.

[2] In humans, foxtails can work through clothing, particularly fabric shoes and socks, causing discomfort to people while walking.

Foxtails embedded in the nostrils can migrate into the nasal turbinates, causing intense distress, and in rare cases into the brain.

Many wild barley species are weeds in disturbed habitats, and their growth is encouraged by foot traffic of humans and domestic animals.

Control methods consist of restricting traffic to established paths, and eradication of wild barley by mechanical removal or herbicide.

Control attempts in these cases can actually be counterproductive, creating disturbed habitats where wild barleys may thrive.