Bottlebrush Grass, Elymus hystrix is a tall perennial grass in the rye family. It is shade tolerant and often found in woodlands and forest edges. It is a cool season grass that is most actively growing during the spring and fall. It grows up to 1.5m tall and has a distinctive seed head that resembles a bottlebrush. It acts as a larval host to the northern pearly eye butterfly, as well as several species of moths and other insects.
Bloomtime: Fall
Wildlife benefits: Larval host, food source for seedeaters, grazers.
Uses: Woodland, savannah and forest edge naturalizations. Pollinator gardens, shady gardens.
Conditions: Shade to part shade. Dry to medium soils. Deer resistant.