New Mexico State University
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | ACES
NMSU: Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Bottlebrush squirreltail

Azéé’iilwo’iindtsaaí
Bushy shape of seedheads, which gives this grass its name. The bristly appearance is due to the awns.
Patrick Alexander
Seedheads

Bottlebrush squirreltail is a, native perennial bunchgrass. The plant grows 8 to 25 inches tall, and occurs primarily on dry, gravelly, or saline soils. It is common on hillsides and alkaline flats.

Considered good forage before seed development and after seed shatter, it receives its name because the seedhead resembles a bottlebrush.

Red-tinged seeds and awns aligned along spike
Patrick Alexander
Seeds
Scientific Name
Elymus elymoides
Plant Type
Grass / Grasslike
Growing Season
Cool Season
Habitats
  • Brushlands
  • Grasslands
  • Wastelands
Other Traits
✓
Provides good forage

For definitions, see the glossary.

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