Mouse-tail
myosurus minimus
Also known as: ["Little mousetail","Small mousetail"]
Overview
A small annual herbaceous plant with slender stems and tiny, mouse-tail-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Myosurus |
| Botanical Name: | Myosurus minimus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: moist meadows, stream banks, or garden beds with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect light daily.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but not extreme frost.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from drafts; maintain stable cool conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division; stem cuttings may be challenging due to small size.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or divide clumps.
- Sow seeds shallowly or plant divisions.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; optional for cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings: 3–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, small trowel, misting bottle, plastic wrap (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Sow seeds just below soil surface; keep consistently moist; protect from strong light.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off spent flower stalks and damaged leaves with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged parts to maintain vigor.
Tools
Small scissors or sharp pruners.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up, or +1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots if compacted; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary, as it prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root crowding; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots gently.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature flowering.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dormancy; susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Provide frost protection; move indoors in freezing conditions; maintain consistent temperatures.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or heat-induced dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; cease in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMyosurus minimus is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicMyosurus minimus is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicMyosurus minimus is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has no reported adverse effects when handled or ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the common name of Myosurus minimus?
A: It is commonly known as Mouse-tail.
Q: Is Myosurus minimus toxic to pets?
A: The toxicity to dogs and cats is unknown.
Q: What are the care requirements for Myosurus minimus?
A: It is easy to care for, requiring very low maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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