// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Squirreltail

Elymus elymoides ssp. brevifolius

Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides ssp. brevifolius) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 1"–30". Blooms May–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 20 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, KS…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: 1"–30"
Sun: —
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides ssp. brevifolius) — *Elymus elymoides ssp. brevifolius* — Squirreltail. Photo via iNaturalist — no rights reserved.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides ssp. brevifolius) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 1"–30". Blooms May–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, squirreltail pairs naturally with: Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis), Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), Torrey's Rush (Juncus torreyi), Awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata).