Species Northern Shorthusk
green leaves with light-green stems

Northern Shorthusk

Brachyelytrum aristosum

Northern Shorthusk (Brachyelytrum aristosum) is a grass-like perennial native to North America. The species has thin, sparsely-branched stems that reach up to 56 inches in height. It produces tiny purple flowers in July and August. With its pale, glossy green foliage and purple flowers, this grass-like plant is an attractive addition to the garden. Northern Shorthusk is tolerant of full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It grows best in meadows, fields, and woodland edges, and is deer resistant. This attractive plant should be an essential addition to any native garden.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Generally, Coastal Brookfoam plants should be watered about once a week. The amount of water needed can vary depending on the type of soil the plant is in, local rainfall, and temperature. Try to make sure the soil is evenly moist without being overly wet or soggy. During hot and dry weather, you may need to increase the amount of water and/or how often you water them. If you notice the leaves of the plant wilting, it likely needs more water.

sunlight

Coastal Brookfoam (Boykinia occidentalis) thrives in partial shade or bright indirect light. For best growth, it should get between 3-6 hours of direct sunlight a day, and the best time to provide this exposure is during the morning and early afternoon hours, when the sun is at its hottest. In regions with intense summer heat, be sure to provide some relief from the intense rays of the sun during the hottest times of day so the plant does not become stressed.

pruning

Coastal Brookfoam should be pruned once in early spring (April or May). Pruning should be light, as this species does not require a lot of regular pruning. Removal of dead or damaged growth should be done as needed. If a bushier shape is desired, the outside branches can be thinned and shortened. Pruning will promote bushier growth and help keep the plant healthy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.