How much sun does Hairy woollygrass need?

Hairy woollygrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hairy woollygrass bloom?

Hairy woollygrass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Hairy woollygrass native?

Hairy woollygrass (Erioneuron pilosum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Hairy woollygrass HOA-friendly?

Hairy woollygrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Hairy woollygrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Erioneuron pilosum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hairy woollygrass (Erioneuron pilosum) is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 5 more states. It blooms in May, June, July, August, and September. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–10" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 5 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 432 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

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain

A low-growing, tufted perennial bunchgrass with fine, curly, hair-fringed blue-green blades that form small tight mounds. Produces short, inconspicuous seed heads sporadically after rain. Extremely drought tolerant, thriving in rocky, gravelly, well-drained soil in full sun with minimal water.

Growing Hairy woollygrass

Grow Hairy woollygrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy woollygrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

Compact tufts provide cover for small insects and ground-foraging birds, and the fine seed is eaten by seed-eating birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy woollygrass need?: Hairy woollygrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hairy woollygrass bloom?: Hairy woollygrass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Hairy woollygrass native?: Hairy woollygrass (Erioneuron pilosum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Hairy woollygrass HOA-friendly?: Hairy woollygrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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