Southwestern Bristlegrass
Setaria scheelei
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Southwestern Bristlegrass (Setaria scheelei) 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
part sun
Water
low
Size
24"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, TX
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Southwestern Bristlegrass is a native Texas perennial that forms upright clumps with narrow leaves and feathery seed heads. It blooms from spring through fall with distinctive bristly flower spikes that add texture to the landscape. This drought-tolerant grass goes dormant in winter but returns reliably each spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southwestern Bristlegrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Cut back in late winter
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for birds, especially quail and other ground-feeding species. As a native grass, it also supports various insects and small wildlife throughout its long growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Southwestern Bristlegrass need?
- Southwestern Bristlegrass grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Southwestern Bristlegrass bloom?
- Southwestern Bristlegrass blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Southwestern Bristlegrass native?
- Southwestern Bristlegrass (Setaria scheelei) is native to AZ, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Southwestern Bristlegrass HOA-friendly?
- Southwestern Bristlegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Southwestern Bristlegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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