Squirreltail: A Whimsical Native Grass That’s Tougher Than It Looks
If you’re looking for a native grass that brings both texture and character to your garden, meet squirreltail (Elymus elymoides hordeoides). This delightful perennial grass might sound like something from a children’s book, but it’s actually a hardworking native that deserves a spot in water-wise Western gardens.
What Makes Squirreltail Special?
Squirreltail gets its charming name from its distinctive seed heads, which feature long, bristly awns that give the plant a bottlebrush-like appearance. These feathery plumes dance in the breeze and catch the light beautifully, creating an almost ethereal quality in the garden. It’s the kind of grass that makes you want to reach out and touch it—though those awns can be a bit prickly!
As a true native of the American West, squirreltail naturally occurs across California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This wide distribution tells us something important: this grass knows how to adapt and thrive in challenging Western conditions.
Why Gardeners Love (and Should Love) Squirreltail
There are several compelling reasons to consider adding squirreltail to your landscape:
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this grass can handle dry conditions like a champ
- Low maintenance: As a native plant, it’s naturally adapted to local conditions and requires minimal fussing
- Textural interest: Those distinctive seed heads add movement and visual appeal throughout the growing season
- Erosion control: The root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and disturbed areas
- Wildlife habitat: While not a major pollinator plant, it provides structure and shelter for small wildlife
Perfect Garden Settings for Squirreltail
Squirreltail shines in several types of landscapes:
- Xeriscape gardens: Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-conscious landscaping
- Native plant gardens: A natural choice for authentic regional plantings
- Naturalistic landscapes: Perfect for creating that wild meadow look
- Restoration projects: Excellent for rehabilitating disturbed sites
Growing Squirreltail Successfully
The good news about squirreltail is that it’s generally pretty easygoing once you understand its preferences:
Climate and Hardiness: This grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for most temperate Western regions.
Sun and Soil: Give squirreltail full sun and well-draining soil. It’s not picky about soil type but definitely doesn’t appreciate soggy conditions. Think dry to moderately dry as your mantra.
Planting Tips: Spring is typically the best time to plant. You can start from seed or transplants, though seeds may be more readily available. If you’re lucky, established plants may self-seed and create natural colonies.
Watering: While young plants will need regular water to get established, mature squirreltail is impressively drought tolerant. Once established, you can largely let nature take the wheel.
Maintenance: This is where squirreltail really shines—it needs very little maintenance. You might choose to cut it back in late winter before new growth emerges, but even that’s optional.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Like any plant, squirreltail has its quirks. Those beautiful awned seed heads can be somewhat sharp, so you might want to plant it away from high-traffic areas where people or pets might brush against it regularly. Also, as a grass that can self-seed, keep an eye on it if you prefer a more controlled garden aesthetic.
The Bottom Line
Squirreltail offers Western gardeners a wonderful combination of native authenticity, low maintenance requirements, and genuine ornamental appeal. It’s particularly valuable for those looking to create sustainable, water-wise landscapes that still have personality and visual interest. While it may not be the showiest plant in your garden, it’s likely to be one of the most reliable and characterful additions you can make.
If you’re ready to embrace the natural beauty of Western grasslands in your own backyard, squirreltail might just be the perfect place to start. After all, any plant with such a delightfully whimsical name has to bring a little joy to the garden, right?
