How much sun does Bristly Mousetail need?

Bristly Mousetail grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bristly Mousetail bloom?

Bristly Mousetail blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Bristly Mousetail native?

Bristly Mousetail (Myosurus apetalus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Bristly Mousetail toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bristly Mousetail as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Bristly Mousetail attract?

Bristly Mousetail draws bees and beetles.

Is Bristly Mousetail HOA-friendly?

Bristly Mousetail takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bristly Mousetail

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Myosurus apetalus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bristly Mousetail (Myosurus apetalus) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bristly Mousetail as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 1"–3" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

Bristol mousetail is a tiny annual wildflower that forms small rosettes of narrow leaves with inconspicuous spike-like flower heads. This diminutive native plant thrives in full sun with minimal water needs and completes its lifecycle from spring through early summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bristly Mousetail takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely small size makes it appear like weeds or lawn volunteers
Annual lifecycle creates bare spots when plants die back
Inconspicuous flowers lack ornamental appeal for formal landscapes

Wildlife value

Supports small pollinators including native bees and beetles during its spring to early summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Bristly Mousetail need?: Bristly Mousetail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bristly Mousetail bloom?: Bristly Mousetail blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Bristly Mousetail native?: Bristly Mousetail (Myosurus apetalus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bristly Mousetail toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bristly Mousetail as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Bristly Mousetail attract?: Bristly Mousetail draws bees and beetles.
Is Bristly Mousetail HOA-friendly?: Bristly Mousetail takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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

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