How much sun does Beakgrain need?

Beakgrain grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Beakgrain bloom?

Beakgrain blooms in July and August.

Where is Beakgrain native?

Beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) is native to IL, KY, MD, MN and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Beakgrain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Diarrhena obovata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) is a perennial grass native to IL, KY, MD, MN and 6 more states. It blooms in July and August.

Toxicity unknown

Beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug

Native to

IL, KY, MD, MN 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 458 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

Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Interior River Valleys and Hills

A clump-forming woodland grass with broad, arching, glossy leaves and slender seed spikes. It stays in tidy low clumps rather than spreading aggressively, and thrives in shaded settings.

Growing Beakgrain

Grow Beakgrain in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Seeds provide food for small birds, and the dense clumps offer cover for ground-dwelling insects in shaded gardens.

Common questions

How much sun does Beakgrain need?: Beakgrain grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Beakgrain bloom?: Beakgrain blooms in July and August.
Where is Beakgrain native?: Beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) is native to IL, KY, MD, MN and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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

Ready to grow Beakgrain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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