When does spike redtop bloom?

Spike redtop typically flowers from June through August, producing narrow, spike-like panicles on tall, slender stems.

What pollinators visit spike redtop?

Bees and beetles are commonly seen visiting the flowers of spike redtop, though as a grass it also relies on wind for pollen dispersal.

How much water does spike redtop need?

Spike redtop does best with medium moisture and is often found in damp meadows, streambanks, and low-lying areas that stay moist for part of the year.

What growing conditions suit spike redtop best?

This grass grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers open, moist sites such as meadow edges, marsh margins, and disturbed ground near water.

Is Spike Redtop toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spike Redtop as toxic to livestock.

Is Spike Redtop HOA-friendly?

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

Spike Redtop

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Agrostis exarata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Agrostis exarata, or spike redtop, is a cool-season bunchgrass that blooms from June through August. It grows well in full sun with medium moisture, often in meadows, streambanks, and seasonally wet ground.

Toxicity unknown

Spike Redtop (Agrostis exarata) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Spike Redtop as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–40" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Spike redtop is a native perennial bunch grass that forms upright clumps with narrow leaves and delicate, spike-like flower heads. It grows moderately tall and provides good texture in naturalized areas, thriving in full sun with regular watering. The grass blooms through summer months with airy seed heads that add movement to the landscape.

Growing Spike Redtop

Grow Spike Redtop in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 40 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spike Redtop 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.

Looks too wild and unmanicured for most front yard standards
Seed heads may appear weedy to traditional landscaping expectations
Natural bunch grass form lacks the formal appearance HOAs typically prefer

Wildlife value

This native grass supports bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. The seeds also provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

When does spike redtop bloom?: Spike redtop typically flowers from June through August, producing narrow, spike-like panicles on tall, slender stems.
What pollinators visit spike redtop?: Bees and beetles are commonly seen visiting the flowers of spike redtop, though as a grass it also relies on wind for pollen dispersal.
How much water does spike redtop need?: Spike redtop does best with medium moisture and is often found in damp meadows, streambanks, and low-lying areas that stay moist for part of the year.
What growing conditions suit spike redtop best?: This grass grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers open, moist sites such as meadow edges, marsh margins, and disturbed ground near water.
Is Spike Redtop toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spike Redtop as toxic to livestock.
Is Spike Redtop HOA-friendly?: Spike Redtop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Spike Redtop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz