Alphabetical Plant Listing

Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush Grass)

Eastern Bottlebrush Grass, Bottlebrush Grass


Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush Grass) is a clump-forming perennial grass forming upright tufts of narrow, rough-textured, gray-green to dark green leaves, 12 in. long (30 cm). In summer, pale green, bristly spikelets borne in clusters rise atop erect smooth stems. They resemble a bottlebrush, hence the common name. Rising well above the foliage, they mature to a straw color in late summer and persist on the plant well into fall. Incredibly adaptable, this slender cool-season grass is one of the best for shady landscapes. It thrives in moist, average or dry soil and looks best when sprinkled throughout the shady prairie or on woodland edges.

  • Grows up to 30-36 in. tall (75-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Will self seed in the garden to form small colonies.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates heavy shade and urban pollution. This plant tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including heavy clay and dry soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Requires very little care, is virtually disease-free and pest-free.
  • Excellent choice for drought-prone gardens, this ornamental grass is perfect for prairie plantings or woodland gardens.
  • May be grown from seed.
  • Native to North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Will Pollard, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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