Bottlebrush Grass

Notes:

Elymus hystrix, commonly called bottle brush grass, is a native perennial grass which occurs in dry woodland areas. Forms loose upright tufts of narrow-bladed, rough-textured, medium green leaves (to 12" long). Greenish, bristly flower heads (9-10" long) rise well above the foliage in summer, maturing to brown in late summer and persisting on the plant well into autumn. Flower heads resemble bottle brushes and are the best ornamental feature of this grass, particularly when backlit. Genus name comes from the Greek word elymos used for a type of grain. Specific epithet means hedgehog (porcupine) in reference to the supposed resemblance of the seed head bristles to the hedgehog quills.