Eastern Bottlebrush Grass
Elymus hystrix
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © lynnharper (iNaturalist #85201365)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Elymus
- Species:
- Elymus hystrix
- USDA Symbol:
- ELHY
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- green
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Asymmetrura graminivorella, Elachista epimicta, Elachista leucofrons, Elachista orestella, Elachista praelineata, Helcystogramma hystricella, Northern Pearly-Eye (Enodia anthedon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from the base following fire. Typical of woodland edge grasses adapted to periodic burning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open woodlands and forest edges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Cold stratification improves germination rates. Can be fall-sown for natural stratification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds do not require any treatment but germinate more uniformly after a 2-3 week cold stratification.
Establishment: Seeds do not germinate or grow well in the greenhouse in mid-summer heat. Germination occurs at moderate temperatures.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.