Species: Elymus elymoides

Bottlebrush squirreltail has the ability to produce large numbers of highly germinable seeds, with relatively rapid germination when exposed to the correct environmental cues. Seeds are readily dispersed by wind a few days following maturation. Dispersal is a function of bottlebrush squirreltail's long reflexed awns and disarticulating, mature inflorescence. Seeds are dispersed when the spike inflorescence is carried along the ground by wind catching the long awns. Although it has the potential for long distance seed dispersal, Martlette and Anderson (1986) found natural plant cover to act as a barrier to dispersal. Wind dispersal of bottlebrush squirreltail seed did not exceed 131 feet (40 m), with viable seed remaining relatively close to mature bottlebrush squirreltail plants. Dormancy protects bottlebrush squirreltail seeds from germinating during seasonal dry periods. Dry seeds require a period of afterippening, which widens environmental conditions conducive to germination. Germination rate increased and dormancy levels decreased as the duration of dry storage increased. Desert bottlebrush squirreltail seed commonly show higher levels of dormancy than seed from mountain populations. Bottlebrush squirreltail seeds may germinate without a period of afterippening, showing a partial state of dormancy. However mean germination time for recently harvested seeds is longer than for afterippened seeds (Simonin, 2001).<br>