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, AZ, CA and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mousetail (Myosurus minimus) 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 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, AZ, CA and 33 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 437 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Central Corn Belt Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Madrean Archipelago Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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, AZ, CA and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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