Overview
Brachypodium sylvaticum is a tufted grass like in the genus Brachypodium, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Brachypodium sylvaticum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Brachypodium sylvaticum, commonly known as false-brome, slender false brome or wood false brome, is a perennial grass native to Europe, Asia and Africa. Its native range includes most of Europe, northwestern Africa, Sudan and Eritrea, Western and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, China, Korea, Japan, Malesia, and New Guinea. The bunchgrass is most commonly found in forests and woodlands, preferring the shaded canopy, but may grow in open areas. It prefers well drained neutral and calcerous soils, and avoids wet conditions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing and north-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brachypodium sylvaticum
About the genus
Brachypodium is a genus of plants in the grass family, widespread across much of Africa, Eurasia, and Latin America. The genus is classified in its own tribe Brachypodieae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Brachypodium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brachypodium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brachypodium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Brachypodium sylvaticum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brachypodium sylvaticum
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Brachypodium sylvaticum?
Brachypodium sylvaticum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brachypodium sylvaticum need?
Brachypodium sylvaticum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Brachypodium sylvaticum grow?
Brachypodium sylvaticum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Brachypodium sylvaticum hardy in the UK?
Brachypodium sylvaticum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Brachypodium sylvaticum?
Seed.
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