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Eastern bottle-brush grass

How to identify Eastern bottle-brush grass (Elymus hystrix)

Eastern bottle-brush grass, also known as Bottlebrush grass

Eastern bottle-brush grass is characterized by its bottlebrush-like seed heads, which stand out above its foliage. This perennial grass typically reaches heights of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) with an equal spread. It exhibits blue-green blades that may turn yellow in fall, providing seasonal interest. In summer, it may enter dormancy, especially when exposed to intense heat, yet it thrives in shaded woodland conditions. Its blades are narrow, and it forms loosely tufted clumps and demonstrates a modest self-seeding behavior without being invasive.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Eastern bottle-brush grass

1

Bottlebrush-like seed heads extend above the foliage, distinctive in appearance.

2

Blue-green blades that may turn yellow in fall provide seasonal interest.

3

Loose tufted clumps with narrow blades that self-seed modestly but are not invasive.

4

Delicate pale green to tan flowers bloom in loose, airy clusters from May to July.

5

Fruit is a bristly caryopsis on a spike, maturing to straw-like color, measuring 0.3-0.5 inches.

Eastern bottle-brush grassEastern bottle-brush grassEastern bottle-brush grassEastern bottle-brush grassEastern bottle-brush grass

Detailed Traits of Eastern bottle-brush grass

Flower Features

The flowers of eastern bottle-brush grass typically bloom from May to July. They form in loose, open clusters along slender, spike-like structures. Each flower is approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long, featuring elongated, bristle-like awns extending up to 1 inch (25 mm) beyond the flower. The delicate flowers exhibit a pale green to tan hue and lack a noticeable fragrance. These subtle and airy blooms contribute to the plant's graceful and understated appearance during their blooming period.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of eastern bottle-brush grass is a caryopsis, a type of dry, indehiscent fruit, which commonly retains a bristly, elongated appearance, reminiscent of a bottle brush. These grains are borne on a spike, and each individual fruit features a hard outer covering that houses the seed within. Typically, the fruit has a straw-like color maturing towards a tawny brown as the season progresses. As a characteristic of many grasses, the fruit measures approximately 0.3-0.5 inches (7-12 mm) in length, displaying a rough texture to the touch. These fruits are prominent from July to September, aligning with the information given.

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Key Facts About Eastern bottle-brush grass

Attributes of Eastern bottle-brush grass
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
61 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Flower Color
Green
Brown
White
Yellow
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Eastern bottle-brush grass

Family
Grass
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Species
Eastern bottle-brush grass (Elymus hystrix)
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Distribution Map of Eastern bottle-brush grass

Eastern bottle-brush grass is native to North America and has found its way to various parts of Eurasia. This plant has been introduced and can now be found in regions of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia. Additionally, eastern bottle-brush grass is not just growing in the wild but is also under cultivation, indicating its adaptable nature and ability to thrive beyond its original habitat.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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