It is considered a weed because of this competitive ability and the dangers it poses to wildlife and livestock. While foxtail barley may be palatable for animals in early spring before it flowers, its seed heads, when dry, are very harmful to grazing animals. The awns can harm animals, as their upward-pointing barbs become easily attached and embedded in the animal's mouth and face, causing severe irritation, abscesses, and even blindness.
It is considered a weed due to its competitive nature and the dangers it presents to wildlife and livestock. Foxtail barley may be edible for animals early in spring before flowering but becomes toxic when dry, with seed heads posing risks of bristles causing irritation, abscesses, and even blindness.