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 because of its competitive ability and the threats it poses to wildlife and livestock. Foxtail barley might be palatable for grazing animals in early spring before flowering but becomes toxic with dry seed heads that can embed bristles in an animal's mouth and face, causing irritation, abscesses, and even blindness.