Whorled pigeon grass Plant Care
Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Setaria verticillata is a species of grass known by the common names hooked bristlegrass, rough bristle-grass and bristly foxtail. It is native to Europe, but it is known on most continents as an introduced species and often a noxious weed.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Whorled pigeon grass?
Water Whorled pigeon grass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Whorled pigeon grass Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Whorled pigeon grass?
Whorled pigeon grass (Setaria verticillata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Setaria genus. Whorled pigeon grass is native to Europe. Whorled pigeon grass is also known as Rough bristlegrass, Burr bristlegrass.
Whorled pigeon grass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Whorled pigeon grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers on spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Whorled pigeon grass?
Setaria verticillata requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Whorled pigeon grass Need?
Whorled pigeon grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Whorled pigeon grass Prefer?
Setaria verticillata grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Whorled pigeon grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Whorled pigeon grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Whorled pigeon grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Whorled pigeon grass?
Feed Whorled pigeon grass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Whorled pigeon grass?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. 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 Whorled pigeon grass?
Whorled pigeon grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow bristlegrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Whorled pigeon grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Whorled pigeon grass, 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 Whorled pigeon grass?
Whorled pigeon grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers. 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 Whorled pigeon grass Need?
Whorled pigeon grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Whorled pigeon grass is native to Europe. In cooler regions, grow Whorled pigeon grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Whorled pigeon grass 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 Setaria genus — compare its care with other Setaria species on PlantoScan.
Setaria is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Whorled pigeon grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Setaria Species
Other Setaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv., family Poaceae (first published in Ess. Agrostogr. : 51 (1812)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Whorled pigeon grass, 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.
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