Common Names: Bottlebrush Grass
Scientific Name: Elymus hystrix
 
Plant Characteristics
• Duration: Perennial
• Size: Typically grows to a height of 2–4 ft., with upright, arching stems.
• Foliage: Broad, flat, medium green leaves that form attractive clumps.
• Bloom Color: Green to purplish, bottlebrush-like seed heads.
• Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
 
Growing Conditions
• Water Use: Medium
• Light Requirement: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Soil Moisture: Moist to Medium
 
Ecological Benefits
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix) is a native perennial grass of the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont, commonly found in deciduous woodlands, woodland edges, and shaded slopes. Its distinctive seed heads provide food for birds and other wildlife, while its foliage offers cover and habitat for insects.
 
Its fibrous root system helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion, making it a valuable addition to woodland restoration projects, shaded gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Its ability to thrive in lower-light conditions also makes it a useful native grass for areas where many meadow species cannot grow.
 
Local Ecotype: This plant is available as a local ecotype variety. Our team hand-collects seeds from native wildflowers growing in conservation areas we manage, and these plants are grown from that locally collected seed. Local ecotypes are adapted to the conditions of their native region and can help preserve local genetic diversity, support regional wildlife, and strengthen the ecological resilience of native plant communities.

Photo credit: Ernst Seeds