Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush Grass)

One of the most shade-tolerant native grasses available, bottlebrush grass brings genuine texture and structure to woodland-edge plantings that few other grasses can match - and its distinctive bristly seed heads are consistently left alone by deer.

Species Overview

Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush Grass) is a clump-forming perennial grass forming upright tufts of narrow, rough-textured, gray-green to dark green leaves. In summer, pale green, bristly spikelets borne in clusters rise atop erect smooth stems, resembling a bottlebrush. Incredibly adaptable, this slender cool-season grass is one of the best for shady landscapes, thriving in moist, average, or dry soil.

Application

• Shaded prairie and woodland-edge restoration - one of the best grasses for shade
• Savanna and open-woodland seed mixes
• Erosion control on shaded slopes
• Larval host habitat for the Northern Pearly Eye butterfly

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade - tolerates heavy shade and urban pollution
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Adaptable, dry to moist, average, well-drained loamy soils
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Green; June-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland, regional source) - see flags
• Native Range: Manitoba east to Nova Scotia, south to Georgia, west to Oklahoma, north to North Dakota
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A woodland grass preferring moist but well-drained soil; not tolerant of standing water.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant - one of the most shade-tolerant native grasses
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Self-seeds in the garden to form small colonies; not an aggressive spreader - cut seed heads off before seeds drop if fewer volunteers are desired.

Please allow 3 business days for all seed orders.