Elymus hystrix (syn. Hystrix patula)
Bottlebrush Grass
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Elymus hystrix produces pretty, airy, spiky, soft, bottlebrush seed heads in midsummer. These blooms create texture and interest in the shade garden. Deep green, narrow leaves reach about three feet; flowers rise a foot above. Adaptable to a variety of conditions, including clay, sandy soils and rich garden soil, Bottle-Brush Grass will grow where other grasses will not, including dry shade. Elymus hystrix is a native grass found in woods and open clearings from Nova Scotia and Quebec to North Dakota and south to Virginia and Oklahoma. This is the former Hystrix patula, now included in the genus Elymus because experts did not think it warranted its own genus.
Zone
4-9
Growth Cycle
Cool
Features
- Native to North America
- Drought Tolerant
- Shade Tolerant
- Bioretention/Rain Gardens
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium-fast
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3 gallon
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, medium-rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot
- Overwintering: no special needs for overwintering
- This plant is easy to grow and responds well to being cut back. Be sure to cut back well before its June flowering time.
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Adapts to dry shade areas but also performs well in regular garden soil in part sun
- Its bottlebrush seed heads on long stems make wonderful additions to cut flower arrangements
- Easy to grow and maintain; requires no extra care (simply cut back before new growth emerges)
- Include in casual gardens and naturalized areas
- Produces early mid-June flowers that can persist until the end of summer
- Use in woodland restoration projects
