Least Mouse-tail Plant Care

Least Mouse-tail (Myosurus minimus) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Myosurus genus. Least Mouse-tail is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Least Mouse-tail is also known as Tiny Mouse-tail.

Least Mouse-tail displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Least Mouse-tail produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Least Mouse-tail every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Least Mouse-tail thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myosurus minimus tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Least Mouse-tail prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Least Mouse-tail to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Least Mouse-tail is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Least Mouse-tail can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Least Mouse-tail while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Least Mouse-tail is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Least Mouse-tail can be propagated through seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Least Mouse-tail is susceptible to aphids, slugs. 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.

Least Mouse-tail grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Least Mouse-tail is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. In cooler regions, grow Least Mouse-tail as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.