Tall and shade-tolerant, Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix) has a wide native range, including most of the Midwest and all states east of the Mississippi except for Florida. It thrives in a woodland garden with sun or partial shade, and prefers dryer soils but will tolerate colder temps and wet, rocky soil. It can tolerate planting beneath Oak trees and Black Walnut Trees. The distinctive flowers start and end as brownish-white spikes with a burst of golden color midway through their blooming cycle.

The Northern Pearly Eye butterfly makes Bottlebrush Grass its larval host plant, with adult butterflies returning for pollen during the flowering season. Birds will enjoy eating the large seeds. Sow Bottlebrush Grass seeds in early spring or fall. This grass may become dormant during the heat of summer. Bottlebrush Grass self-sows but is non-aggressive.