Elymus hystrix, Bottlebrush Grass

Bottlebrush Grass in a floodplain habitat

Bottlebrush Grass is one of the best of the shade grasses as its inflorescence and seeds create bold visual textures in woodland gardens and natural areas. Bottlebrush Grass can be massed for effect or, since its blades are comparatively low, it can be intermixed with more substantial plants. As a cool season grass, Bottlebrush will grow blades in spring and fall while reserving early to midsummer for flowering and seed production. Over time it will self-seed, but plays well in a community of plants.

Blooms: pale green to beige, June into August

Height: 3 to 5 feet

Conditions: shade to pt shade, moist to medium soils

Seeds of Bottlebrush Grass