How much sun does Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass need?

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass bloom?

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass native?

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass (Xyris brevifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, NC and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass attract?

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass draws bees and butterflies.

Is Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass HOA-friendly?

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Xyris brevifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass (Xyris brevifolia) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, NC and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Shortleaf yelloweyed grass is a compact native perennial that forms small clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves. It produces cheerful yellow flowers on short stems from late spring through fall. This petite plant works well as a groundcover or accent in sunny, moderately moist areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass 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 small size makes it appear insignificant in formal landscapes
Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds
Uncommon plant that HOAs typically don't recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. The dense, low growth provides shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass need?: Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass bloom?: Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass native?: Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass (Xyris brevifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, NC and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass attract?: Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass draws bees and butterflies.
Is Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass HOA-friendly?: Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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