Squirrel tail grass

Hordeum jubatum

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well drained, moderately fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June - July
• Other features: the flowerheads can be cut and dried for floral arrangements
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  
  A beautiful annual or short lived perennial grass that produces long-bristled, pale green seedheads, that are flushed with red or purple and fade to light tan as they age. These feathery flower spikes are useful for cutting and drying if picked early. They usually produce loads of seed, so will come back year after year if they are in a good spot. It is great in seaside plantings as it is quite tolerant of salt, but avoid planting near livestock as the barbed awns around the seeds can cause problems if eaten.
  
  

• Garden care: Tolerates a wide range of conditions as long as it is in sun. It is usually one of the first plants to colonise empty ground - especially near the coast. Allow the flowerheads to develop fully if you want to collect the seed in autumn.