Crested dog's-tail Plant Care
Cynosurus cristatus L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cynosurus cristatus, the crested dog's-tail, is a short-lived perennial grass in the family Poaceae, characterised by a seed head that is flat on one side. It typically grows in species rich grassland.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Crested dog's-tail?
Water Crested dog's-tail every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Crested dog's-tail?
Crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Cynosurus genus. Crested dog's-tail is also known as Dog's-tail grass.
Crested dog's-tail displays an upright, tufted grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Crested dog's-tail produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crested dog's-tail?
Cynosurus cristatus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Crested dog's-tail Need?
Crested dog's-tail thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Crested dog's-tail Prefer?
Cynosurus cristatus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Crested dog's-tail prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Crested dog's-tail?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Crested dog's-tail to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Crested dog's-tail?
Rarely needs repotting, best to propagate from seeds. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Crested dog's-tail?
Crested dog's-tail can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Crested dog's-tail Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crested dog's-tail, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Crested dog's-tail?
Crested dog's-tail is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, armyworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Crested dog's-tail Need?
Crested dog's-tail grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Crested dog's-tail as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Crested dog's-tail is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cynosurus genus — compare its care with other Cynosurus species on PlantoScan.
Cynosurus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Crested dog's-tail thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cynosurus cristatus L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 72 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crested dog's-tail, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Crested dog's-tail Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species