Hares Tail Ornamental Grass Seeds

Hare's Tail Grass is one of the most charming and whimsical ornamental grasses grown in gardens today. Native to the Mediterranean region, this delightful grass is famous for its soft, fluffy flower heads that closely resemble the tails of rabbits. The silky seed heads emerge pale green before maturing to creamy white and buff tones, creating an irresistible display that appeals to gardeners, florists, children, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Compact, easy to grow, and exceptionally attractive in containers, Hare's Tail Grass brings texture, movement, and a touch of playfulness to any garden setting. It is equally valued as a fresh garden plant and as one of the finest grasses for dried floral arrangements.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Lagurus ovatus
• Common Names: Hare's Tail Grass, Bunny Tail Grass, Rabbit Tail Grass
• Plant Type: Cool-Season Ornamental Grass
• Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches
• Mature Spread: 8 to 12 inches
• Growth Rate: Fast
• USDA Zones: 7 to 11 (often grown as an annual elsewhere)
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil

Container Growing

Hare's Tail Grass is exceptionally well suited for container gardening. Its compact size and adorable flower heads make it a favorite for patio pots, balcony gardens, and decorative mixed containers.

• Use containers at least 8 to 12 inches deep.
• Provide excellent drainage.
• Use a quality potting mix.
• Place in full sun for best flowering.
• Allow flower heads to mature for dried arrangements.

Container-grown plants often produce abundant flower spikes and remain attractive throughout the growing season.

Landscape Uses

• Container gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Rock gardens
• Children's gardens
• Dried flower gardens
• Border edging
• Mediterranean-style landscapes

Its soft flower heads provide a delightful contrast to bold flowers and broad-leaved plants.

Germination Information

• Sow seed on the surface or lightly cover.
• Maintain temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.
• Keep evenly moist during germination.
• Provide bright light.
• Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days.

Seedlings grow rapidly and often begin flowering within a few months.

Growing Information

• Plant in full sun.
• Provide well-drained soil.
• Water moderately.
• Avoid over-fertilization.
• Harvest flower heads before heavy weather if drying is desired.

This grass thrives with minimal care and often self-sows gently in favorable climates.

Pollinator and Wildlife Value

While primarily wind-pollinated, Hare's Tail Grass contributes habitat diversity and provides cover for beneficial insects. Mature seed heads may also attract small seed-eating birds.

Deer Resistance

Hare's Tail Grass is generally considered deer resistant and is usually left alone by browsing animals.

Drought Tolerance

Once established, this Mediterranean native exhibits good drought tolerance and performs well in sunny, dry conditions.

Historical and Cultural Tidbits

Native to coastal regions of the Mediterranean Basin, Hare's Tail Grass has been admired for centuries for its unique and playful flower heads. It naturally grows in sandy soils, dunes, and open grasslands where it thrives in sunshine and dry conditions.

Victorian gardeners often included Bunny Tail Grass in ornamental borders and dried arrangements. Its fluffy flower heads became particularly popular in decorative bouquets and pressed floral displays.

Today it remains a favorite among floral designers and gardeners who appreciate its unusual texture and child-friendly appeal.

Botanical Facts

• The genus name Lagurus comes from Greek words meaning "hare tail."
• The species name ovatus means "egg-shaped," referring to the flower heads.
• Each fluffy flower spike is actually a dense cluster of tiny flowers.
• The flower heads dry naturally while retaining their attractive shape.
• It is one of the most widely used ornamental grasses in dried flower arrangements.

Cut Flower and Dried Arrangement Value

Few ornamental grasses rival Hare's Tail Grass for dried floral use. The silky flower heads retain their shape and texture for months, making them popular in wreaths, bouquets, craft projects, and decorative arrangements.

Interesting Fact

Children are often drawn to Hare's Tail Grass because the flower heads feel remarkably soft to the touch. The fuzzy plumes are so realistic that many people instinctively reach out to pet them, much like a rabbit's tail.

Seedman Note

Among ornamental grasses, Hare's Tail Grass may be the most universally loved. Its fluffy flower heads, easy-care nature, container adaptability, and usefulness in dried arrangements make it a delightful addition to gardens of every size.

Ornamental Grass Rating: ★★★★★

An irresistible ornamental grass prized for its soft bunny-tail flower heads, ease of culture, container performance, and exceptional value in dried floral arrangements.