During early summer, this attractive grass can be found along interstate highways for mile after mile. It tolerates road salt and adapts readily to the dry gravelly conditions of the roadside. The long-awned nodding spikes move gracefully in the wind. Squirrel Tail would be grown as an ornamental grass, except that is rather common and weedy. It is easily distinguished from other Hordeum spp. (Barleys) by its nodding spikes and their long awns (greater than 1" in length). Other Barleys, whether native or introduced, have shorter awns and their flowering spikes are often erect. Another common name of Hordeum jubatum is Foxtail Barley.