Species Slender False Brome
green leaves

Slender False Brome

Brachypodium sylvaticum

Slender False Brome is a medium-sized grass native to Europe, western Asia, North Africa, and parts of North America. It has thin, upright stems with many fine, bent leaves. Its flower spikes form in elegant tight spikes of a green-purple hue and bloom from mid-summer to early fall. This species spreads through seeds and rhizomes, making it hard to control and very invasive in some areas. It grows best in sandy soils and can handle drought and shade. It is typically found in meadows, deciduous forests and grasslands, and even waste ground. This plant makes an excellent addition to a natural garden and provides sources of food and shelter for wildlife.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Northern Shorthusk weekly but do not over-water. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and provide enough that the water penetrates the soil up to 2-3 inches deep. Make sure the soil drains well between each watering to prevent root rot. To support healthy plant growth, plan to water the Northern Shorthusk twice a week during the growing season, and reduce this amount in the winter.

sunlight

The Northern Shorthusk (Brachyelytrum aristosum) requires full sun or very dense shade in order to thrive. It does best when it receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Ideally, it should receive 8 or more hours of direct sunlight to ensure optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate some shade during mid-day hours in hot climates, but if it is grown in partial shade for extended periods of time, the plant may suffer from poor flowering and leaf discoloration. This species prefers sunny climates and may struggle in areas where the sunlight is more intermittent.

pruning

Northern Shorthusk (Brachyelytrum aristosum) should be pruned annually in late fall to early winter. For optimal health, pruning should involve removing dead or damaged stems only. This plant species may also benefit from a light shaping trim in early spring, just as new growth begins. Pruning too much in either season can cause stunting of the plant. It is important to remember to sanitize any gardening tools used to prune the plant in between uses. This will help prevent the spread of disease.

⚠️ 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.