An underutilized and under-recognized native grass known for its intriguing and playful inflorescences, Elymus hystrix is a highly versatile selection tolerant of dry, drought-prone soils and heavy shade. The foxtail-like inflorescences which give this plant its common name, bottlebrush grass, are particularly interesting in the sensory or children’s garden or as an ornamental and textural filler along the woodland edge or within the shade garden. Elymus hystrix is a cool season grass, with its inflorescences appearing between September and October, with its persistent seedheads offering ornamentality well into winter. Plant bottlebrush grass in mass to create a naturalized look, and to accentuate the bristly seedheads, which take on a delicate and textural silhouette when backlit against autumn sunsets. Like other native grasses, Elymus hystrix promotes healthy ecosystems by providing nesting material and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals, and is also a larval host for the Northern Pearly Eye butterfly.

• Category: Grasses
• Hardiness Zone: 4
• Height: 30 Inches
• Spread: 16 Inches