Canada Wild Rye
Elymus canadensis
Family:
Poaceae
Canada Wild Rye, is a species of wild rye native to much of North America, growing in a number of ecosystems.
Woodland garden
Meadow / Grassland garden
Supports wide variety of wildlife
Details
Emerges
May
Seed collection
Flowers
June, July
Green
September
Height
110
-
130
cm
Lifecycle
Perennial
Width
-
cm
Habit
Gramminoids
Clumping
Ecology
Supports
Songbirds
Butterflies & Moths
Beneficial insects
Providing
Larval host plant
Seed/Berry source
Nesting material
Canada wild rye is a perennial bunchgrass,
Habitat
Typically found in
woodland, disturbed areas, prairie, sand dunes
In the Garden
Growing Conditions
Moisture
Dry
Moist
Light
Full sun
Part sun
Soil
Average garden soil, Sand
Propagation
Via
Seeds
Division
Sowing Recommendations
Spring planting
High or easy germination
Landscape
Use for:
Winter interest
Stabilization
Low maintenance gardening
Growing Tips
Plant or divide in spring or autumn. Sow seed on top of soil as seed needs light to germinate. Self seeds abundantly.
Description
Canada wild rye establishes easily, providing quick initial cover. It is a versatile, cool-season plant, requiring little to no maintenance. It displays heavy, whiskery, nodding seed heads in early fall.
Note: the sharp awns could pose a risk to pets.