Elymus hystrix
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: bottlebrush grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Eastern-central United States
Height: 2.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: September to October
Bloom Color: Brown, Green
Bloom Description: Green maturing to brown
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Drought, Dense Shade, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts
Uses: Cut Flower, Erosion Control, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to wide range of soil conditions including heavy clay. Easily grown from seed and will readily self seed in the garden under optimum growing conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Bottle brush grass is a Missouri native perennial grass which occurs in dry woodland areas throughout the State. Forms loose upright tufts of narrow-bladed, rough-textured, medium green leaves (to 12" long). Greenish, bristly flower heads (9-10" long) rise well above the foliage in summer, maturing to brown in late summer and persisting on the plant well into autumn. Flower heads resemble bottle brushes and are the best ornamental feature of this grass, particularly when backlit. Hystrix in Greek means hedgehog (porcupine) in reference to the supposed resemblance of the seed head bristles to the hedgehog quills.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Plant in clumps, mass or naturalize in a lightly-shaded woodland setting, native plant garden or naturalized area.

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