Squirrel Tail Grass

Squirrel Tail Grass is a stunning ornamental grass with unique fluffy seed heads reaching up to 12 inches long, resembling soft tail. This drought-tolerant, hardy plant can grow up to 3 feet tall, with its fine, arching green blades turning to a golden hue in the fall. Squirrel Tail Grass is a striking addition to gardens, meadows, or natural landscapes and is perfect for both low-maintenance gardens and wildflower settings. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a native grass that attracts birds and wildlife. Beyond its beauty, it’s a resilient plant that holds up well in the face of drought and poor soil, thriving in a variety of conditions. Add this versatile, low-care grass to your garden for a touch of wild elegance!

Also Known As: Hordeum Jubatum, Foxtail Barley, Squirrel Grass, Wild Barley, Native Barley, Foxtail Grass, Prairie Barley, Feather Grass, Wild Foxtail, Hairy Barley, Wild Oats, Golden Barley.

Plant Name:	Grass, Squirrel Tail
Latin Name:	Hordeum jubatum
Days to Germinate:	14-21
Days to Bloom:	75
Plant Height:	1 - 3 Feet
Spread:	6 - 9 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	3 - 6 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-10
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 8-10
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 6-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Squirrel Tail Grass care is relatively simple. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Fertilize sparingly, as it doesn't require heavy feeding - an annual light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring should suffice. To encourage healthy growth and maintain its compact form, trim back any dead or damaged foliage as needed. In colder climates, you can protect it with mulch during the winter months, but typically, it is grown as an annual in most regions.