Alpine Timothy
Phleum alpinum
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Alpine Timothy as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Alpine timothy is a compact, cool-season grass that forms neat clumps with narrow leaves and distinctive cylindrical flower spikes. This hardy perennial maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season. It produces dense, bottlebrush-like seed heads from June through August.
In an HOA neighborhood
Alpine Timothy 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
The seed heads provide food for songbirds and small mammals in late summer and fall. As a native grass, it offers habitat and nesting material for ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Alpine Timothy need?
- Alpine Timothy grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Alpine Timothy bloom?
- Alpine Timothy blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Alpine Timothy native?
- Alpine Timothy (Phleum alpinum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Alpine Timothy toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alpine Timothy as toxic to livestock.
- Is Alpine Timothy HOA-friendly?
- Alpine Timothy is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Alpine Timothy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz