Photo of Elymus glaucus flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo by The Watershed Nursery

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Elymus glaucus

Also Known As

  • Blue Wild Rye

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Elymus glaucus plant details

Elymus glaucus is an evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance). Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Elymus glaucus

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Elymus glaucus

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, erosion and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A perennial grass that grows in small, but tall tufts, reaching 3 to 5 feet tall. Typically found in open meadows, fields, ditch banks, road cuts, etc. Blue wildrye can be used ornamentally for its gray foliage, or to hold slopes for erosion control. Short-lived and rather weedy, it naturally grows with oaks and conifers and is often used in re-vegetation. FYI, the name elumos is from the Greek term for a "grain." Native to California and is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. Good for stream bank restoration, meadow and swale seeding. It is also excellent for reseeding burned areas in oak woodland or forest. Also provides excellent wildlife habitat for mammals, birds, and waterfowl. Seeds made into a porridge and eaten by the Ohlone people. Also used by the Karok people as a medicine to settle quarrels between families or individuals. Found in open woods, prairie, thickets, and moist or dry hillsides. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland Between 0 and 8202 feet.

Gardening facts about Elymus glaucus plant

How to Grow Elymus glaucus

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • erosion control
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen

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