Squirreltail: The Feathery Native Grass Perfect for Low-Water Gardens
If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant native grass that adds texture and movement to your landscape, let me introduce you to squirreltail (Elymus elymoides californicus). This charming perennial grass might just become your new favorite addition to water-wise gardens across the American West.
What Makes Squirreltail Special?
Squirreltail gets its whimsical name from its distinctive seed heads that look remarkably like—you guessed it—a squirrel’s bushy tail! These feathery, bottlebrush-like plumes emerge in late spring and early summer, featuring long, delicate awns that catch the light and dance in the breeze. It’s this unique aesthetic appeal that makes squirreltail a standout choice for gardeners who want something different from the typical lawn grass.
This native graminoid (that’s botanist-speak for grass-like plant) is a true perennial, meaning it’ll come back year after year once established. You might also see it listed under its former scientific name, Sitanion hystrix var. californicum, but don’t let the name changes fool you—it’s the same wonderful plant.
Where Squirreltail Calls Home
Squirreltail is proudly native to western North America, naturally occurring across a impressive range that includes British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. This wide distribution tells us something important: this grass is incredibly adaptable and tough!
Why Your Garden Will Love Squirreltail
Here’s where squirreltail really shines as a garden plant:
- Drought champion: Once established, this grass thrives with minimal water, making it perfect for xeriscaping
- Erosion fighter: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and disturbed areas
- Wildlife friendly: Provides habitat structure for beneficial insects and adds natural texture to native plant communities
- Low maintenance: Requires little care once established, perfect for busy gardeners
- Cold hardy: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, handling both mountain winters and valley summers
Perfect Garden Settings for Squirreltail
Squirreltail works beautifully in several landscape scenarios:
- Native plant gardens: Pairs wonderfully with other western natives like sagebrush and wildflowers
- Restoration projects: Excellent for rehabilitating disturbed or degraded areas
- Rock gardens: Adds soft texture contrast to hard landscape elements
- Naturalized areas: Creates that wild meadow look without being weedy
- Drought-tolerant landscapes: A stellar performer in water-conscious garden designs
Growing Squirreltail Successfully
The good news is that squirreltail is relatively easy to grow if you match its preferred conditions:
Light requirements: Full sun is best, though it can tolerate some light shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soils are essential. This grass actually prefers somewhat poor, rocky, or sandy soils over rich garden soil. It’s quite tolerant of alkaline conditions too.
Water requirements: While it needs regular water to get established, once mature it’s remarkably drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to problems.
Planting and Care Tips
For best results with squirreltail:
- Timing: Fall seeding works best, allowing natural winter stratification
- Seeding: Direct seeding is more successful than transplanting
- Spacing: Allow adequate space for the grass to form natural clumps
- First year care: Provide regular water during establishment, then gradually reduce
- Ongoing maintenance: Minimal care needed; avoid fertilizing as this can make the plant too lush and weak
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While squirreltail is generally well-behaved, those distinctive seed heads can be a bit prickly when mature. Plant it away from high-traffic areas where people might brush against it regularly. Also, like many native grasses, it may go dormant during extreme drought or winter, which is perfectly normal.
The Bottom Line
Squirreltail is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to embrace native plants while creating beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes. Its unique appearance, drought tolerance, and ecological benefits make it a smart addition to western gardens. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing a plant that’s been thriving in your region for thousands of years!
Whether you’re creating a native plant showcase, working on erosion control, or simply want a grass that won’t demand weekly watering, squirreltail deserves a spot on your plant list. Your garden—and the local ecosystem—will thank you for it.
