Mare's Tail

A lanky, tenacious plant of disturbed areas, Mare's Tail has a relatively humble appearance. Flowers are small and white, tan, or pale yellow, relatively easy to miss, and bloom whenever the plant reaches its full height (generally June-September). Produces many shaggy tufts of wind-dispersed seeds as the flowers finish blooming. Leaves are slightly hairy and lance-shaped, starting with a basal rosette and growing into a tall, sturdy hairy stem which branches near the top. Tolerates drought, disturbed, shallow, compacted and low-nutrient soil. Can also tolerate occasional flooding, although prefers well-drained conditions. May cause contact irritation when the sap comes in contact with the mucus membranes of humans or animals. Supports mostly small pollinators. Like many plants that prefer disturbed areas, it's a valuable pioneer species that helps return conditions back to a non-disturbed state.however in a garden setting it can be a persistent weed that is somewhat challenging to pull out and seeds in vigorously.