Squirrel-tail Grass

About Squirrel-tail Grass

Squirrel-tail Grass is a highly ornamental native bunchgrass that adds a whimsical, shimmering texture to the sunny landscape. Growing roughly 1 to 2 feet tall, it is best known for its exceptionally long, silky awns that form nodding flower heads resembling a bushy squirrel's tail. These bristles catch the light beautifully and turn from a soft green or purple to a tawny gold as they mature through the summer. Native to a wide swath of North America, this resilient grass is often found in open prairies, meadows, and even along roadsides, thanks to its high tolerance for salt and poor soils. While it is a relatively short-lived perennial, it readily self-seeds to maintain its presence in the garden. It provides valuable cover for small wildlife and its seeds are consumed by various songbirds. Squirrel-tail Grass is an excellent choice for dry to medium soils in full sun, where its graceful movement and unique seed heads provide visual interest from late spring through autumn.