Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix)
el-EE-mus hystrix

Deciduous Perennial in the Poaceae Family

Elymus hystrix, commonly known as bottlebrush grass or eastern bottle brush grass, is a striking native perennial grass that adds dramatic visual interest to woodland gardens and naturalized landscape settings. This resilient species is prized for its distinctive seed heads that resemble bristly, bottlebrush-like plumes.

Growing 2-4 feet tall, Elymus hystrix features upright, arching culms that emerge from a clumping, rhizomatous base. The coarse, dark green foliage is lance-shaped, with rough-textured blades that lend an architectural quality to the plant's overall appearance. In mid-to-late summer, the plant produces its most eye-catching feature - the unique, bottle-brush-like inflorescences.

These showy seed heads begin as tight, green clusters that gradually elongate and loosen, revealing long, slender awns that bristle outward in all directions. The resulting effect is a striking, bottlebrush-shaped panicle that starts green and matures to a captivating golden-brown hue, adding visual drama to the landscape.

Elymus hystrix thrives in partial to full shade conditions, making it an excellent choice for wooded, naturalistic settings. Its adaptability to a range of soil types, from sandy to clay-based, further extends its versatility in the landscape. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this native grass also serves as valuable forage and cover for a variety of wildlife.

Whether used as a specimen plant, incorporated into mixed border plantings, or allowed to naturalize in woodland edges, Elymus hystrix's dramatic, architectural form and resilient nature make it a standout addition to eco-friendly, low-maintenance gardens.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 24 - 36 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 5a - 9b (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Sun, Grasses, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial
Bloom Period June - July
Flower Color Green Maturing To Brown
 

More Info from Experts
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!