Elymus hystrix

Elymus hystrix is a tall grass native across the southeast, naturally found in moist to dry forests. It grows best in part shade, on sites with moist soils. This grass has showy seed heads that mature in the late summer and look a bit like a bottlebrush (hence the common name of Bottlebrush grass). It is fairly resistant to deer. It grows to be around four feet tall, and provides cover for wildlife. The seeds are also eaten by birds in the fall. Elymus hystrix is an excellent plant for restoration projects.