Bottlebrush Grass

About Bottlebrush Grass

Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix) is a distinctive and ornamental native grass that brings architectural interest to shady garden corners. Growing 2 to 5 feet tall, it is named for its unique flowering spikes, which feature widely spaced, horizontal awns that perfectly mimic a kitchen bottlebrush. Native to the eastern and central United States and Canada, it is a quintessential species of deciduous woodlands and upland savannas. As a cool-season grass, it provides fresh green growth in early spring. It serves as a larval host for the Northern Pearly Eye butterfly and is generally avoided by deer, making it a reliable choice for woodland restorations. The seed heads remain attractive well into the fall, catching the light in dappled shade. Bottlebrush Grass thrives in partial to full shade and medium to dry-mesic soils. The seeds are easy to start and do not require any special pretreatment to germinate successfully.