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Bottlebrush Grass

Elymus Hystrix

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Overview

Bottlebrush Grass, Elymus hystrix, is a clump-forming, North American native prairie grass reaching 2-4 feet in height. Its distinctive, bristly seed heads resemble a bottlebrush and appear in mid-summer. Preferring full sun to light shade, it thrives in well-drained soils. Highly ornamental, it adds vertical texture to gardens with minimal maintenance and is beneficial for wildlife, offering habitat and food for birds. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, MediumZones 4–10
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — Its distinctive, bristly seed heads resemble a bottlebrush and appear in mid-summer

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
4–10

Shape & size

Mature height
2.5–3 Ft.
Mature width
1–1.5 Ft.

Classification

Family
Poaceae

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Photos (87)

Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — making it an ideal choice for shadowed woodland gardens or understory plantings; elymus hystrix is a low-care, image 71
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — Bottlebrush Grass is both aesthetically pleasing and functional; elymus hystrix is a low-care option, image 79
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — A final point for the client is that this native grass serves as a food source for wildlife; thus contributing, image 80
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — Elymus hystrix is a low-care option; which resemble a traditional bottlebrush, image 74
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — as well as its ability to provide erosion control on slopes; which resemble a traditional bottlebrush, image 78
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — Given its attractive seed heads and foliage; it adds vertical texture to gardens with minimal maintenance and, image 77
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — save for occasional watering during prolonged dry spells; thus contributing to the local ecosystem's health, image 76
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — requiring minimal attention once established; elymus hystrix is a low-care option, image 75
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — North American native prairie grass reaching 2-4 feet in height; it adds vertical texture to gardens with, image 85
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — Its distinctive, bristly seed heads resemble a bottlebrush and appear in mid-summer; which resemble a, image 86
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — Preferring full sun to light shade, it thrives in well-drained soils; elymus hystrix is a low-care option, image 87
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — thus contributing to the local ecosystem's health; it adds vertical texture to gardens with minimal, image 81
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — grass / perennial for full or half; thus contributing to the local ecosystem's health, image 84
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — green flowers in the garden; which resemble a traditional bottlebrush, image 82
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus Hystrix) — grass / perennial with green blooms; elymus hystrix is a low-care option, image 83

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