Hystrix patula

AKA Elymus hystrix
Forms an upright loose clump of coarse green leaves
Green bottlebrush-like flowers emerge above the foliage
Flowers ripen to straw-coloured seed heads persisting until late fall, then disperse
Bloom Time: June
Grass Type: Cool Season

ZONE:
4

COLOUR:
Green

HEIGHT:
90-100 cm

SPREAD:
30-60 cm

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Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Best grown in a moist, fertile soil, however, it is quite tolerant of any soil type from heavy clay to dry and rocky. Grows in full sun or partial shade, however, it will struggle in full sun. This is a good choice for naturalizing dry, shaded areas. Hystrix patula will freely self-seed in optimum growing conditions and seed heads can be pruned off before they disperse. If desired for a more formal look, the grass should be pruned down to almost ground level in early spring.

Plugs are sold in full flats only.

Additional Notes about Bottlebrush Grass:

Native to Ontario

Cool Season Grasses: These grasses do the majority of their growing in early spring and continue until temperatures start to cool in the fall. During the warmer summer months, they stop growing and some will even go dormant. Cool season grasses flower in the spring or early summer. Most cool season grasses grow best in a consistently moist soil.

Larval host for native moths and butterflies, including the Northern Pearly-Eye butterfly. The inflorescence leads to seeds which are enjoyed by birds and small mammals.

Bottlebrush Grass can assist with phytoremediation by metabolizing hydrocarbons such as petroleum, propane, ethane, butane etc.