26th August 2025

Yellow Bristle Grass (Setaria pumila) is a non-native grass that arrived in the UK a few decades ago, probably as a contaminant of agricultural seed. With the current increase in NFF schemes, the grass has spread rapidly. The seed plot at the brow of the hill over to Goodnestone is pretty much dominated by it. It will provide valuable food for finches, yellowhammers and other seed-eating birds during the winter months. However, there is always a 'but'. It's a non-native species shunned by grazing stock and difficult to control. It could out compete native grasses, smother native wildflowers and eventually become a dominant species. Meanwhile, it's quite an attractive grass!

Yellow Bristle Grass