// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Squirreltail fescue

Vulpia elliotea

Squirreltail fescue (Vulpia elliotea) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 4b–11b. Mature size 6"–2'. Blooms Mar–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 17 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 4b–11b
Mature size: 6"–2'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Mar–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Squirreltail fescue (Vulpia elliotea) — *Vulpia elliotea* — Squirreltail fescue. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Cleveland Powell, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Squirreltail fescue (Vulpia elliotea) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 4b–11b. Mature size 6"–2'. Blooms Mar–May.

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 fescue pairs naturally with: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Common Rush (Juncus effusus), Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Eastern Woodland Sedge (Carex blanda).