How much sun does Tickle Grass need?

Tickle Grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tickle Grass bloom?

Tickle Grass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Tickle Grass native?

Tickle Grass (Agrostis scabra) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Tickle Grass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Tickle Grass as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Tickle Grass attract?

Tickle Grass draws bees and beetles.

Is Tickle Grass HOA-friendly?

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

Tickle Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Agrostis scabra

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Tickle grass is a delicate native perennial that forms loose clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces airy, open flower heads in summer that create a soft, naturalistic appearance in the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tickle 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 informal appearance that looks wild or weedy
Common name 'tickle grass' suggests unkempt character
Too naturalistic for typical HOA front yard standards

Wildlife value

This grass provides habitat and food for native bees and beetles during its summer bloom period. The seeds also offer food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Tickle Grass need?: Tickle Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tickle Grass bloom?: Tickle Grass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Tickle Grass native?: Tickle Grass (Agrostis scabra) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Tickle Grass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Tickle Grass as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Tickle Grass attract?: Tickle Grass draws bees and beetles.
Is Tickle Grass HOA-friendly?: Tickle 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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