Bottlebrush grass grows two to four feet tall, with distinctive, brush-like seed heads that gleam silver-green in summer and sway gracefully in the shade. Its upright, airy form adds quiet elegance and texture to woodland gardens.

Best in part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates a range of conditions once established. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it’s an excellent choice for shady, naturalistic plantings.

A clump-forming cool-season grass, it stays in place and plays well with others, weaving gently among ferns and wildflowers. Its delicate seed heads add light-catching movement without overwhelming nearby plants.

Native to eastern and central North America, it’s found in open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky slopes. It thrives in dappled light and rich, loamy soils but tolerates tougher spots, too.

Foliage emerges early in spring, with its signature bottlebrush seed heads appearing by early summer and aging to golden tan in fall. Winter reveals its elegant, upright form and faded beauty among dormant woodland plants.

Its seeds feed birds and small mammals, while its foliage serves as a host plant for several woodland skipper butterflies. It provides cover and nesting material for wildlife and supports biodiversity in shady ecosystems.