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.
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 Hairy Chess fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.