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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Alpine Timothy

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phleum alpinum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Timothy (Phleum alpinum) 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.

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

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 445 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

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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