Bottlebrush Grass

Bottlebrush Grass, or Elymus hystrix, is a cool-weather native grass that adds texture and supports the ecosystem. The delicate-looking flowers have a central stem and petals that emerge horizontally and very much resemble a bottle brush. Enjoy the flowers from June through August. The thin, blade-shaped foliage grows along the stems and complements the wispy look of the cream-colored flowers.Feature this ornamental grass in a woodland garden or native garden. Plant it in a shady spot or underneath a tree, where the canopy will shade it. This grass adds terrific texture to a landscape, but it also serves an important function as a larval host for the Northern Pearly Eye Butterfly. Birds feed on the seeds for added wildlife value. Grow Bottlebrush Grass in zones 5 through 9.Bottlebrush Grass CarePlant Bottlebrush Grass in full to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water young plants consistently. Established plants are drought tolerant but appreciate water during a dry period. This grass can grow in poor-quality soil but benefits from an annual feeding in the spring using a slow-release plant food. Cut growth to ground level in the fall. Apply a layer of organic mulch to protect the roots from chilly temperatures.Bottlebrush Grass SpacingBottlebrush Grass grows 30 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Space this clump-forming grass 12 to 18 inches apart.Bottlebrush Grass InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9Plant Type: Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 2 – 3 FeetMature Spread: 12 – 18 InchesSpacing: 12 – 18 InchesHabit: Clumping, Mounded, UprightFlower Color(s): GreenFlower Description: Green ShadesBloom Period: SpringFoliage Type: HerbaceousFoliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Green ShadesSeasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Winter InterestWatering: AverageResists: N/ATolerates: N/AAttracts: ButterfliesContainer Role: Uses: Wildlife GardensFeatures: Attracts Pollinators, Native to North AmericaBrand: Common Name: Bottlebrush GrassOther Name(s): Eastern bottlebrush grass, Bottle-brush-grassScientific Name: Elymus hystrix