Big squirreltail

This perennial, cool season native bunch grass grows in clumps 1-3′ tall.

Big squirreltail prefers well drained soils, often found on rocky or brushy hillsides and open dry woods and plains. Similar to E. elymoides, but grows in slightly more mesic areas. Provides fair forage in the spring. Useful for quick stabilization.

It is a wild rye that gets its name from the array of awns in the inflorescence that look like bushy squirrels’ tails.

Big squirreltail blooms from May to July and has low water requirements.

Lifeform: Grass

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Dry, Light

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control