How much sun does Big squirreltail need?

Big squirreltail grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Big squirreltail bloom?

Big squirreltail blooms in May and June.

Where is Big squirreltail native?

Big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Big squirreltail attract?

Big squirreltail draws wind pollinated.

Big squirreltail

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Elymus multisetus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus) is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

Toxicity unknown

Big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states

Pollinators

wind pollinated

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A bunchgrass with narrow blue-green blades and bristly seed heads bearing very long, tangled awns that give the plant a shaggy, unkempt look at maturity. Grows in dry open rangeland and sagebrush steppe.

Growing Big squirreltail

Grow Big squirreltail in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Seeds and foliage are an important forage source for small mammals and grassland birds in arid rangeland.

Common questions

How much sun does Big squirreltail need?: Big squirreltail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Big squirreltail bloom?: Big squirreltail blooms in May and June.
Where is Big squirreltail native?: Big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Big squirreltail attract?: Big squirreltail draws wind pollinated.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Big squirreltail? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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