Lagurus ovatus aka Hare's Tail

Lagurus ovatus is a small grass known as hare's-tail grass. Other names include bunny tail grass and rabbit's tail grass. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its native range spans Macaronesia, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. Kew lists it as an annual of subtropical regions. NC State also describes an annual, despite a conflicting perennial label.

The plant forms small clumps with a soft, fine texture. Garden height is about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. RHS gives a lower upper height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Spread varies between the two garden sources. NC State lists about 0.8–1 foot [0.25–0.3 metres]. RHS allows up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Narrow leaves arch out from the tufted base. The foliage has a green to grey-green cast. Thin stems rise above the leaves and carry oval flower heads.

These dense panicles give the grass its rabbit-tail look. Hairy awns, or bristles, make the heads feel soft. The heads start pale green, then turn cream or pale buff. NC State describes them as white and records summer-to-autumn bloom. The flower heads last well and suit fresh cutting. Growers also use them in dried bouquets. The fruit is a caryopsis, the grain-like fruit of grasses. Plants can shed seed and produce new plants without sowing.

Choose a warm spot that receives full sun. Light to medium soil suits this grass, with sand preferred. Loam and chalk are also listed as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Use soil with good drainage and moderate fertility. RHS lists moist, well-drained soil as suitable. NC State also records drought tolerance and fast growth. RHS assigns H4 hardiness; NC State lists USDA zones 4–10. Sow seed outdoors in spring where plants will grow. Another option is spring sowing in cold-frame containers.

Use this grass in borders, beds, containers, or mass plantings. It also suits courtyard gardens and informal cottage planting. RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Plants need no pruning. Its ability to self-seed needs care outside its native range. It has naturalized in parts of Australia and the United Kingdom. Some places outside its home range class it as invasive.