Hairy Chess
Bromus commutatus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, CO, FL, IL and 8 more states
Hairy chess is an annual grass that grows 1-3 feet tall with a somewhat open, upright form. It blooms from May through July but dies back completely each year as an annual. This European species has naturalized across much of North America.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy Chess 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.
- Annual lifecycle creates bare spots each year
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- Non-native species may spread unpredictably
Wildlife value
As a grass, it provides some seed for birds and small wildlife. However, it offers limited value compared to native warm-season grasses that support more local wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Chess need?
- Hairy Chess grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Hairy Chess bloom?
- Hairy Chess blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Hairy Chess native?
- Hairy Chess (Bromus commutatus) is native to AL, CO, FL, IL and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hairy Chess HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Chess 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Hairy Chess? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz