Elymus elymoides

Also Known As

Squirreltail

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 24"

planting zones

1-12

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Elymus elymoides plant details

Elymus elymoides is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer tan flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in alkaline, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control, seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Elymus elymoides

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Elymus elymoides

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: erosion, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Squirreltail (a species of wild rye) is a long lived perennial bunch grass growing to around half a 1.5' in height. It is adapted to a wide range of soils. It can withstand high salt, alkali, and high lime, and grows well in deep to shallow soils of textures ranging from sands to clays. Very effective for wind erosion control. Native to California and also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. This grass is considered a very good forage for sheep. It is best for grazing during the winter, when it is small and green. No Historical Uses found. Found in a common component of sagebrush (artemisia spp.)/grass communities of the intermountain shrubsteppe. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Alpine Fell-fields Between 0 and 13,123 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Elymus elymoides

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By: The Watershed Nursery

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Gardening facts about Elymus elymoides plant

How to Grow Elymus elymoides

Sun Exposure
- sun
Water Needs
- low - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- clay
- alkaline
- gritty
Special Situation
- seaside / salt tolerant
- erosion control
- verticillium wilt resistant