Skip to main content

Bearded Shorthusk

Brachyelytrum erectum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bearded Shorthusk (Brachyelytrum erectum)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Bearded Shorthusk (Brachyelytrum erectum) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 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

Eastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Bearded short-husk is a delicate native woodland grass that forms small, upright clumps. It produces subtle flower spikes in summer and provides fine texture in shaded garden areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bearded Shorthusk 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.

  • Very fine texture may appear weedy to some
  • Subtle appearance lacks conventional ornamental appeal
  • Can look sparse or incomplete in formal settings

Wildlife value

This grass provides nesting material and cover for small birds and supports various insects with its seeds and foliage.

Common questions

How much sun does Bearded Shorthusk need?
Bearded Shorthusk grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bearded Shorthusk bloom?
Bearded Shorthusk blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bearded Shorthusk native?
Bearded Shorthusk (Brachyelytrum erectum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Bearded Shorthusk HOA-friendly?
Bearded Shorthusk 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

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

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz