Northern Shorthusk
Brachyelytrum aristosum
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
iNaturalist: © meganrowcliffe (iNaturalist #13673574)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Brachyelytrum
- Species:
- Brachyelytrum aristosum
- USDA Symbol:
- BRAR9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Dicranoctetes brachyelytrifoliella, Northern Pearly-Eye (Enodia anthedon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded forest understory conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with cold-moist stratification and partial shade conditions. Fresh seed has better germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI