Field Marks: This species is recognized by its arching, soft-bristly spikes at least 3 inches long.
Habitat: Fields and generally any disturbed habitat.
Habit: Coarse annual herb with fibrous roots.
Stems: Erect, smooth or slightly hairy at the nodes, up to 4 feet tall.
Leaves: Up to 8 inches long, up to 1 inch broad, hairy on the upper surface with ciliate sheaths.
Flowers: One per spikelet, with many spikelets crowded into an arching spike up to 5 inches long; each spikelet subtended by 1-3 soft bristles up to 1 inch long.
Stamens: 3.
Pistils: Ovary superior.
Grains: Usually enclosed by scales.
Notes: The usual common names for this species are giant foxtail or nodding foxtail.