Squirreltail Plant Care
Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Elymus elymoides is a species of wild rye known by the common name squirreltail. This grass is native to central and western North America.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Squirreltail?
Water Squirreltail every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity.
Where Is the Squirreltail Native To?
What Is the Squirreltail?
Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Elymus genus. Squirreltail is native to central and western North America. Squirreltail is also known as Foxtail Barley, Wild Barley.
Squirreltail displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Squirreltail produces inflorescence with spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Squirreltail?
Elymus elymoides requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Squirreltail Need?
Squirreltail thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Squirreltail Prefer?
Elymus elymoides grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Squirreltail prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Squirreltail?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Squirreltail to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Squirreltail?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Squirreltail?
Squirreltail can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alaska wild rye plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Squirreltail Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Squirreltail, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Squirreltail?
Squirreltail is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Squirreltail Need?
Squirreltail grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Squirreltail is native to central and western North America. In cooler regions, grow Squirreltail as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Squirreltail is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Elymus genus — compare its care with other Elymus species on PlantoScan.
Elymus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Squirreltail thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Elymus Species
Other Elymus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey, family Poaceae (first published in Nebraska Fl. Pl. : 15 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Squirreltail, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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