Squirreltail

elymus elymoides

Elymus elymoides, commonly known as Squirreltail, is a resilient native perennial bunchgrass of western North America. Renowned for its distinctive, bristly seed heads that resemble a squirrel's tail, this grass plays a crucial ecological role in dryland ecosystems. It's a pioneer species, often one of the first plants to establish in disturbed areas, aiding in soil stabilization and preventing erosion. Its adaptability to harsh conditions, including drought and poor soils, makes it a valuable component of rangelands, providing forage for wildlife and livestock, particularly when other greens are scarce. Its unique seed dispersal mechanism further underscores its survival prowess in challenging environments.

Habitat: Found predominantly in arid to semi-arid regions, Squirreltail thrives in a variety of habitats including dry grasslands, sagebrush steppes, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and disturbed areas.

Appearance

Squirreltail is characterized by its slender, erect stems growing 30 to 80 cm tall, often forming dense bunches. The leaves are typically narrow, flat, or rolled, and can range from green to bluish-green. Its most striking feature is the spike-like inflorescence, 5-20 cm long, which is densely packed with bristly awns (elongated projections from the glumes and lemmas). These awns, which can be 3-10 cm long, give the seed head its distinctive fuzzy, 'squirreltail' appearance, turning a light tan or straw color as they mature.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusElymus

Squirreltail

Interesting facts

Its seeds are equipped with sharp, barbed awns that can physically injure livestock if ingested, although it is still an important forage grass.

Native American tribes historically used Squirreltail for various purposes, including as a food source (grinding seeds into flour) and for crafting materials.

Squirreltail is considered a 'decreaser' species on rangelands, meaning its presence often diminishes under heavy grazing pressure, indicating a decline in rangeland health.

The name "Squirreltail" comes from its long, feathery awns that give the seed head a fluffy appearance, resembling a squirrel's bushy tail.

Special abilities

Squirreltail possesses an extensive root system that allows it to efficiently capture moisture from dry soils, enabling it to survive prolonged periods of drought common in its native range.

As a bunchgrass, its fibrous roots form a dense network that binds soil particles, effectively preventing wind and water erosion, particularly in disturbed or degraded landscapes.

The long, bristly awns on its seeds can break off and embed themselves into the soil, or cling to animal fur for dispersal, aiding in its widespread propagation even in harsh conditions.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-80 cm
Weight: 0.05-0.2 kg
Lifespan: 3-10 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic organism, Squirreltail produces its own energy by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars, while absorbing essential nutrients from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Bison

Bison bison

Provides forage, especially during dry seasons.

eaten by

Deer Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

Seeds are a food source.

competitor

Cheatgrass

Bromus tectorum

Creates competition for resources in some habitats.

habitat provider

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

Provides cover and nesting material for small birds.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Squirreltail?

The easiest way to identify Squirreltail is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Squirreltail?

30-80 cm

How much does Squirreltail weigh?

0.05-0.2 kg

How long does Squirreltail live?

3-10 years

What does Squirreltail eat?

As a photosynthetic organism, Squirreltail produces its own energy by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars, while absorbing essential nutrients from the soil.

Where is Squirreltail usually found?

Found predominantly in arid to semi-arid regions, Squirreltail thrives in a variety of habitats including dry grasslands, sagebrush steppes, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and disturbed areas.