Elymus californicus, commonly known as California bottlebrush grass, is a perennial grass native to the coastal prairies and open woodlands of California, especially within the San Francisco Bay Area. It typically grows between 3-7 feet in height and is characterized by its erect stems and occasional sheathing leaves with blades 4 to 8 inches long. The inflorescence resembles a bottlebrush, divided into three or four nodes with three or four spikelets per node, each spikelet measuring 0 to 1 inch long. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer, and the flowers are not particularly showy, but the grass has a distinctive architectural form.

California bottlebrush grass is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, though it thrives best in moist, well-drained soils with partial to full shade. It is often used in restoration projects and native plant gardens due to its ecological benefits, such as providing habitat for wildlife and stabilizing soil. While it is not commonly found in the horticultural trade, it can be a unique addition to a native plant garden or naturalized area. Gardeners should be aware that it may require supplemental water during dry periods. This species is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but it can be sensitive to overwatering or poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0