Sanguisorbia hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel', Pink squirrel tails
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Perennials

Sanguisorbia hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

Pink squirrel tails

Rosaceae

Honshu, Japan — alpine and subalpine meadows of Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu prefectures (Mt. Hakusan type locality)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm) in bloom; foliage clump 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the family Rosaceae, a selected cultivar of Sanguisorba hakusanensis, native to the alpine and subalpine meadows, moist rocky slopes, and stream margins of Honshu, Japan. Plants form attractive basal clumps 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall of pinnately compound leaves with 9–13 broadly ovate, toothed, blue-green leaflets 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, giving the foliage a refined, elegant texture. From July through September, slender, wiry stems 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall bear pendant, cylindrical to catkin-like flower heads 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long of densely packed, petalless flowers whose lavender-pink to lilac stamens create a soft, fluffy, bottlebrush effect. The flower heads nod and sway gracefully on slender stems — the 'squirrel tail' quality that makes this genus popular in contemporary naturalistic planting design. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to alpine and subalpine meadows, moist rocky slopes, and stream margins on Honshu, Japan (Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu prefectures and surrounding mountains), growing in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Suggested Uses

Planted in mixed perennial borders, naturalistic prairie-style gardens, and moist woodland margins at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The pendant fluffy flower heads are a defining feature of contemporary naturalistic planting design (Oudolf school), where the movement and texture contrast beautifully with upright spikes of salvias and veronicastrum and flat plates of achillea. Combines particularly well with ornamental grasses, echinacea, and agastache.

How to Identify

Identified by basal clumps of pinnately compound blue-green leaves with 9–13 broadly ovate toothed leaflets, and wiry stems bearing pendant, cylindrical flower heads 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with densely packed lavender-pink to lilac stamens creating a soft fluffy 'squirrel tail' effect, nodding in the breeze July through September. The pendulous, elongated, fluffy lavender-pink flower heads on wiry stems and blue-green compound foliage distinguish it from the upright-headed S. officinalis and the white-headed S. canadensis.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
lavender
lilac

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms July through September — 8–10 weeks — with the pendant fluffy lavender-pink flower heads nodding and swaying on stems 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom begins mid-July and continues through mid-September. The wiry stems move gracefully in wind, creating a dynamic quality unique among late-summer perennials. Flower heads can be left for attractive fall and winter seed interest.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

lavender-pink to lilac; pendant cylindrical fluffy heads 2–4 inches long of petalless flowers with dense stamens; nodding on wiry stems

Foliage Description

blue-green; pinnately compound with 9–13 broadly ovate toothed leaflets 1–2 inches each; refined elegant texture

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained to average soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Consistent moisture is important — plants struggle in hot, dry conditions and will scorch in full sun in hot-summer climates. In the Pacific Northwest's mild, moist conditions, full sun is ideal; in hotter inland gardens, afternoon shade is beneficial. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall when the clump becomes congested. No staking needed; the wiry stems are self-supporting.

Pruning

Leave flower heads and stems through fall and winter for ornamental seed interest. Cut all stems to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) above ground in late winter (February–March) before new growth begins. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall: lift and separate the rhizomatous clump and replant at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Deadheading does not significantly improve rebloom.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Sanguisorbia hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' (Pink squirrel tails) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef