Bottlebrush Grass

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

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 Care

Plant 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 Spacing

Bottlebrush Grass grows 30 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Space this clump-forming grass 12 to 18 inches apart.

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