Squirreltail Grass: The Quirky Native That’s Perfect for Low-Maintenance Gardens
If you’re looking for a native grass that’s as charming as it sounds, squirreltail grass (Elymus elymoides) might just be your new garden favorite. This delightful perennial gets its whimsical name from its distinctive seed heads that look remarkably like fluffy squirrel tails – and trust me, once you see them, you’ll never forget them!
What Makes Squirreltail Special?
Squirreltail grass is a true North American native, naturally occurring across a vast range from Canada down through the western United States. You’ll find this adaptable grass thriving in states from Arizona to Wyoming, and from California to the Dakotas. It’s also found in Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, making it one of our continent’s most widespread native grasses.
What really sets squirreltail apart is its unique appearance. During its growing season, it produces those famous bottlebrush-like seed heads adorned with long, delicate awns that give the plant its fuzzy, tail-like appearance. These aren’t just pretty to look at – they’re actually a clever adaptation that helps the seeds disperse and establish in new locations.
Why Your Garden Will Love Squirreltail
Here’s where squirreltail really shines for home gardeners:
- Drought champion: Once established, this grass can handle dry conditions like a pro
- Low maintenance: Perfect for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss
- Unique texture: Adds fine, delicate texture to garden compositions
- Seasonal interest: Provides visual appeal from spring growth through winter seed heads
- Erosion control: Great for slopes and areas prone to soil erosion
Where Does Squirreltail Fit in Your Landscape?
Squirreltail grass works beautifully in several garden styles:
- Xeriscape gardens: Perfect companion for other drought-tolerant natives
- Prairie and meadow plantings: Adds authentic texture to naturalized areas
- Rock gardens: Provides soft contrast to hard landscape elements
- Low-maintenance borders: Great for areas where you want impact without intensive care
Growing Squirreltail Successfully
The good news is that squirreltail is surprisingly easy to grow, especially if you work with its natural preferences:
Sunlight: Give it full sun for best performance. This grass loves bright, open locations.
Soil: Well-drained soil is key – squirreltail doesn’t appreciate soggy feet. It’s quite adaptable to different soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as drainage is good.
Hardiness: This tough grass thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for most North American gardens.
Watering: Once established (usually after the first year), squirreltail is remarkably drought tolerant. Water regularly during establishment, then let nature take over.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting squirreltail established in your garden is straightforward:
- Best planting time: Fall or early spring seeding works well
- Direct seeding: This grass often does better when direct seeded rather than transplanted
- Spacing: Give plants room to develop their natural form
- Maintenance: Minimal care needed once established – just occasional cleanup of old growth
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
While squirreltail is wind-pollinated (so it won’t attract butterflies like some flowering plants), it still provides valuable ecological benefits. The grass structure offers habitat for small wildlife, and the seeds can provide food for birds. As a native species, it supports the broader ecosystem in ways that non-native alternatives simply can’t match.
Is Squirreltail Right for Your Garden?
Squirreltail grass is an excellent choice if you:
- Want to support native plant communities
- Need drought-tolerant plants for challenging sites
- Appreciate unique textures and forms in the garden
- Prefer low-maintenance gardening
- Are creating naturalized or prairie-style landscapes
However, you might want to consider alternatives if you’re looking for a grass that provides significant pollinator benefits or if you prefer more traditional turf-type grasses.
The Bottom Line
Squirreltail grass brings something special to the native plant palette – that perfect combination of unique beauty, ecological value, and easy-going nature that makes gardening both rewarding and sustainable. Whether you’re creating a water-wise landscape or just want to add some authentic North American character to your garden, this charming grass deserves serious consideration. Plus, you’ll never get tired of explaining to visitors why it’s called squirreltail – those fluffy seed heads are absolutely irresistible!
