Bromus latigulmis

Sizes available: HPP #1 (two plants per pot)

Basics: zones 3-7, 2.5-4' x 18", part sun to part shade, dangly, green blooms on delicate, arching, branched structures in late summer to early fall. Prefers it consistently moist in the sunniest positions, but is adaptable to drier conditions in more shade.

Common names: Flanged Brome, Early Leaf Brome, Hairy Woodbine, Ear-leaved Brome, Broad-glumed Brome

Family: Poaceae

Origin/Distribution: Large swathes of Canada and north-central to northeastern United States as far west as Montana and as far south as South Carolina, native to Maine.

Habitat: woodland, prairie, river bank, shorelines, riparian forest, meadow, field, moist and open spots, railroad beds

More: This is a clump-forming, perennial, cool season grass. It adds texture, grace, and movement in the garden as well as the vase. It provides habitat and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

Grasses are important habitat for native bees who use them for nesting material as well as for hibernation and nursery structures. Do not cut your grasses all the way to the ground. If you must, cut back to about knee height and leave the old stems in the clump permanently. The new growth will cover them over in no time and they will eventually rot away. Many bees have a lifecycle longer than one year and need dependable, consistent habitat to complete their journey. This cutting regime is applicable to other perennials with hollow stems, as well: cut back to knee height. It will look as intentional as cutting lower, but offer much richer habitat.

Nursery: grown from seed at Honey Petal Plants - seed from Prairie Moon Nursery

Image credits: Prairie Moon Nursery