Whoever it was who said that “all grasses look alike” had clearly never seen Squirreltail Grass.

Botanist consider it to be a beautiful plant.

Ranchers, however, consider it a noxious weed because the bristles can pierce animal tongues and cause serious injury.

Squirreltail Grass grows low to the ground: 30 – 75 cm in height.

It grows generally in roadsides, railroads and disturbed ground.

It originated in western North America and was first seen in Ontario in the 1870’s.

The few leaves on the stalk curl downward almost immediately.

“Hordeum” is the ancient Latin name for barley.

“Jubatum” means “with long awns”.

Miles Hearn