Dense Silky-bent
Apera interrupta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Dense silky-bent is a compact annual grass that grows 12-24 inches tall with a narrow spread. It thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements, blooming from May through July. This drought-tolerant grass completes its life cycle in one season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dense Silky-bent takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in landscape design
- Can appear weedy or unkempt
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
This grass provides nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during its spring and summer flowering period. As an annual, it offers seasonal habitat value but doesn't provide year-round structure for wildlife.
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.
Does Dense Silky-bent fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.