Hordeum jubatum
squirrel tail grass
A beautiful annual or short lived perennial grass Hordeum jubatum produces long-bristled, pale green seedheads, that are flushed with red or purple, fading 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, and will self-seed freely in the right spot, coming back year after year. It's great in seaside plantings as it is quite tolerant of salt, but avoid planting it near livestock as the barbed awns around the seeds can cause problems if eaten. The flowerheads dry well and make attractive additions to arrangements.
Growing instructions:
Prepare a sunny seedbed and sow the seeds 5mm deep in spring or autumn. Germination can be slow, but after the seedlings start to appear, thin them out when they are large enough to handle. Carefully replant those removed, so all the plants are spaced at 25-30cm intervals. These plants like well-drained soil, so avoid over-watering.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Pets: Burrs can irritate skin
approx 100 seeds
£2.89
Seed Packets (only)£2.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99
