How much sun does Mousetail need?

Mousetail grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mousetail bloom?

Mousetail blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Mousetail native?

Mousetail (Myosurus minimus) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Mousetail toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Mousetail attract?

Mousetail draws bees and beetles.

Is Mousetail HOA-friendly?

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

Mousetail

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Myosurus minimus

Last reviewed: July 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

1"–4" H × 1"–2" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 28 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Least mousetail is a tiny native annual that forms small rosettes of narrow leaves with distinctive spike-like flower heads. This diminutive wildflower thrives in full sun with minimal water. Its extremely small size means it works best in specialized garden settings rather than traditional landscaping.

In an HOA neighborhood

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 sparse or patchy
Can easily disappear among other plants
Annual nature means inconsistent year-to-year appearance

Wildlife value

This small native plant provides nectar for small bees and beetles during its late spring to summer blooming period. Due to its tiny size, its wildlife impact is modest but valuable for supporting native pollinator diversity.

Common questions

How much sun does Mousetail need?: Mousetail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mousetail bloom?: Mousetail blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Mousetail native?: Mousetail (Myosurus minimus) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mousetail toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mousetail as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Mousetail attract?: Mousetail draws bees and beetles.
Is Mousetail HOA-friendly?: 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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