California bottlebrush grass
Elymus californicus
Care
full sun, part shade
3–7ft tall
Resistant
Central Valley and surrounding foothills throughout California, typically below 2000 ft in grassland and oak savanna.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant California bottlebrush grass in full sun, where it will reach its full height of 3 to 7 feet. Space plants generously since this is a tall, erect grass that needs room to grow. The Calscape data doesn't specify ideal soil type, drainage requirements, or planting season, so consult a local nursery about timing and soil prep for your specific Bay Area microclimate.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the plant, then reduce watering as it matures - drought tolerance specifics aren't documented in available data. This is a deer-resistant native, so wildlife pressure shouldn't be a concern. Specific pruning recommendations and dormancy behavior aren't detailed, so watch your plant's growth pattern in year one and adjust care based on how it responds in your garden.
Visit Calscape for more information about California bottlebrush grass
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
year-round seed foraging; important dietary component in California grasslands
primary winter foraging resource Dec-Feb; supports overwintering populations
critical winter seed resource Nov-Mar for overwintering and migrating populations in California
early spring diet component Mar-Apr during post-migration recovery
Mammals
seed caching behavior Sep-Nov; stored seeds provide winter food cache
primary grass seed consumer in California grasslands; sustained foraging throughout year
spring forage when new growth emerges Apr-Jun; higher nutritional value during leaf-out
early spring dietary component when fresh growth available Mar-May