Lagurus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lagurus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Hare's-tail Grass, and Rabbit-tail Grass: Cultivation & Garden Use

The Lagurus genus only contains one grass species, an ornamental grass that goes under the common names of Rabbit-tail grass and Hare's Tail.

They carry silky inflorescences atop 30 cm (12 inches) long stems that bloom in the summer.

The leaves of Lagurus are about 10 cm long. As Lagurus grows compactly in nature it so can be used as part of a garden border.

Lagurus ovatus - Hare's-tail grass by Anniesannuals; creative commons.

Rabbit Tail Lagurus by Nekonomania; creative commons.

How to Grow Rabbit Tail Grass, Hare's-tail Grass, and other Lagurus Plants

The seeds of Rabbit tail grass should be sown at a depth of about 6 mm (1/4 inch) at the beginning of autumn of a few weeks before the last frost of spring.

They should be grown in a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage and a light soil.

If planning to start growing Lagurus plants indoors first then they should be started about 7 or 8 weeks before the last expected frost of spring.

They take about two or three weeks to germinate at 12 degrees Centigrade (54°F).

Caring for Lagurus

Once growing, Lagurus can be transplanted to the garden 10 to 30 cm apart (4 to 12 inches).

Plants require regular watering, but other than that they pretty much look after themselves.

Common Questions

How many members does the Lagurus plant genus have?

The Lagurus genus is monotypic, containing only a single species, Lagurus ovatus. It's commonly known as Hare's-tail grass or Bunnytail grass.

Do members of Lagurus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Lagurus ovatus can be an excellent choice for gardens. It's often used in borders, containers, or as a dried flower due to its fluffy, tail-like inflorescences.

Which Lagurus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

As there's only one species, Lagurus ovatus (Hare's-tail grass) is the only one that can be grown.

Are members of the Lagurus plant genus fragrant?

Lagurus does not have a significant fragrance. It is loved for its unique, decorative appearance.

What is the perfect location to grow Lagurus?

Lagurus ovatus prefers a location with full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate dry and sandy soils, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.

Is Lagurus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Presently, Lagurus ovatus is considered invasive in some parts of California, due to its ability to outcompete native plants in this area.

How do I remove Lagurus plants?

To remove Lagurus, dig out the entire plant including the roots. Monitor the area for regrowth as it can reseed prolifically.

Summary

The Lagurus genus, belonging to the Poaceae family. Which itself comprises annual grasses native to the Mediterranean region. Recognized for their soft, fluffy flower heads that resemble a rabbit's tail, these plants are often used in dried flower arrangements.

Lagurus enjoys full sun, and is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, sown in the spring.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lagurus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Eragrostis, Carum plant, and Arundo donax plants.