How much sun does Annual-bristle Grass need?

Annual-bristle Grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Annual-bristle Grass bloom?

Annual-bristle Grass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Annual-bristle Grass native?

Annual-bristle Grass (Aristida adscensionis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Annual-bristle Grass HOA-friendly?

Annual-bristle Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Annual-bristle Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aristida adscensionis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Annual-bristle Grass (Aristida adscensionis) 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

4"–24" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 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

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Annual bristlegrass is a short-lived native grass that forms small clumps during the growing season. It produces delicate seed heads from late spring through fall and typically dies back with the first frost.

In an HOA neighborhood

Annual-bristle Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies completely each winter leaving bare spots
Can appear weedy and unkempt
Bristly seed heads may look messy to some

Wildlife value

This grass provides seeds for birds and small mammals. The foliage offers nesting material and shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Annual-bristle Grass need?: Annual-bristle Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Annual-bristle Grass bloom?: Annual-bristle Grass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Annual-bristle Grass native?: Annual-bristle Grass (Aristida adscensionis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Annual-bristle Grass HOA-friendly?: Annual-bristle Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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