The edible part is the grain. The seeds can be used as a small wild cereal after being cleaned and processed [2-3]. Edible Uses & Rating: Big squirreltail ranks as a modest to moderate wild grain. It is worthwhile but not easy. The seed is edible, but the strong awns and bristles make the plant more work-intensive than softer-headed grasses [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: The cleaned grain is mild and cereal-like. Toasting improves flavor, and grinding helps compensate for the small seed size and reduces cooking time. Whole-grain porridge is possible, but the species is often more practical when used as a coarse meal [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): The seed matures from late spring into summer or early autumn, depending on local moisture and elevation. In hotter lowland settings, it may ripen relatively early. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): The chief caution is physical. The awns and bristles can be irritating and make hand harvesting uncomfortable. Gloves and careful cleaning are helpful. As always, avoid contaminated or sprayed sites [2-3]. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Collect mature heads before heavy shattering occurs. Dry if needed, then thresh and use winnowing, rubbing, and screening to remove chaff and awns. The cleaned grain can then be toasted, cooked, or ground. Cultivar/Selection Notes: There are no food cultivars in common use. Practical selection depends on abundance, accessibility, and seed fill rather than named forms. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Big squirreltail resembles bottlebrush squirreltail and similar western awned bunchgrasses. In this context, confusion is not generally a serious safety issue but may affect the expected ease of harvest [2-3]. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Big squirreltail belongs to the larger dryland western grass-seed tradition and would have been most useful where large, clean stands made harvest efficient [2-3].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Based on ethnobotanical studies, Elymus multisetus (commonly known as big squirreltail) has been documented, though with limited uses for food rather than direct medicinal applications. Food Uses: Elymus multisetus seeds were used by indigenous communities, prepared as a porridge or mash. Context: While the genus Elymus includes some species with medicinal applications (such as treating renal issues or as topical washes), the available data specifically highlight E. multisetus in the context of food preparation. Note: Some closely related species, such as Elymus repens (Quack grass), are frequently used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, but this should not be confused with E. multisetus.

Restoration Use: It is commonly used in ecological restoration, particularly for rehabilitating areas affected by fire or invasive species like cheatgrass. It forms compact bunches and contributes texture to dry native grasslands and restoration plantings, though it is not a refined ornamental. It may be used in dryland restoration or reclamation work where native bunchgrasses are desired and drought tolerance matters. Ecology & Wildlife: It provides seed, cover, and soil stabilization in arid western ecosystems and helps occupy dry, disturbed ground.

Special Uses