Elymus canadensis
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: Canada wild rye
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: North America
Garden Location: Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden
Height: 2 to 5 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Description: Greenish
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Colorful
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts
Uses: Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Erosion Control

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Easily grown from seed and self-seeds in optimum growing conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Canada wild rye is a cool season, clump-forming, Missouri native ornamental bunch grass noted for its arching, wheat/rye-like spikes which bloom in summer and remain attractive well into winter. In Missouri, it typically occurs in open woods, prairies, fields, stream banks and waste areas throughout most of the State. Clumps typically grow 3-5' tall and feature flat, pointed, bluish-green to green leaves (to 3/4" wide) which clasp the stems at the bases. Greenish flowers appear in terminal, arching, bristly spikes (to 6" long) which, when mature, gracefully nod and sway in the wind on stiff stems rising well above the foliage. Foliage and spikes turn tan in fall, but continue to provide visual interest throughout much of the winter. Sometimes commonly called nodding wild rye.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Best naturalized in prairie, wild or native plant areas. Foliage and flower/seed spikes lend interest to borders, but self-seeding tendencies in borders is a concern. Good ground cover for dry, sunny slopes.

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