How much sun does Alpine Sweetgrass need?

Alpine Sweetgrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Alpine Sweetgrass bloom?

Alpine Sweetgrass blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Alpine Sweetgrass native?

Alpine Sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum monticola) is native to ME, MT, NH, NY and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Alpine Sweetgrass HOA-friendly?

Alpine Sweetgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Alpine Sweetgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Anthoxanthum monticola

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum monticola) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

ME, MT, NH, NY and 1 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands

Anthoxanthum monticola is a compact native bunchgrass that forms neat clumps 12-24 inches tall. It produces fragrant flower spikes from May through July and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established. This drought-tolerant grass maintains an orderly growth habit that works well in cultivated landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alpine Sweetgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This grass provides seed for small birds and nesting material for various wildlife. Its flowers attract beneficial insects during the spring and summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Sweetgrass need?: Alpine Sweetgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Alpine Sweetgrass bloom?: Alpine Sweetgrass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Alpine Sweetgrass native?: Alpine Sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum monticola) is native to ME, MT, NH, NY and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Alpine Sweetgrass HOA-friendly?: Alpine Sweetgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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