
Elymus hystrix
Bottlebrush Grass
Spike-like flowers bloom in late summer to early autumn; seedheads resemble a bottle brush and offer interesting texture in the garden.
Description:
Narrow green blades of Bottlebrush grass grow in loose upright clumps in partial shade. Spike-like flowers bloom on stalks that rise above the foliage. Late summer to early autumn seedheads resemble a bottle brush or hedgehog quill and provide ornamental interest. Bottlebrush grass offers an interesting texture among flowering perennials in the garden setting. Pair with other part-shade loving plants that like semi-dry soil including Woodland Agrimony (Agrimonia striata), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata), Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), Purple Mistflower (Eupatorium coelestinum), Zig-zag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) and Big Leaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus). Blend with Indian Wood Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) for additional interesting texture. This hardy native can withstand a variety of challenging conditions including heavy clay, full shade, alkaline soil and drought, although it perfroms best in part-shade with slightly moist soil. Easily grows from seed and will self-sow. Plant in clumps or allow it to naturalize along your woodland edge.
Wildlife Value: Birds value the foliage for cover, eat the seeds and use the leaves as nesting material. Host plant for caterpillars of Northern Pearly Eye butterfly (Enodia anthedon).
Plant Details:
Other Scientific Names: Hystrix patula
Plant Type: Grass
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Late Summer to Fall
Bloom Colors: Green
Deer Resistance: High
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Butterflies, Birds
Salt Tolerance: Unknown
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Partial Shade
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Drought Tolerance: High
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 2.5 - 3 ft
Spread: 1 - 1.5 ft
Growth Rate: Medium-fast