Creeping Wild Rye is a versatile California native grass that grows naturally in wet areas and is perfect for use in bioswales, large meadows, and at the edges of waterways and other settings to prevent erosion. It is not typically considered a plant to use in small scale gardens/landscapes. Prefers loamy soil but will also grow in sand, clay, and alkaline soil. Drought tolerant but will tolerate regular irrigation and even seasonal flooding as long as soil is well draining. Evergreen with highly variable, green to grey / green foliage and light green to tan flower spikes that emerge in summer. If insufficient water is present, plants will reduce to the ground and typically resprout once the necessary moisture returns. Plant in full to part sun. This species is exceptionally aggressive in its growth habit in most conditions so should only be used in areas with a lot of space and / or in an appropriate setting (restoration, erosion control, etc). Its vigorous spreading character can take over wide areas rapidly. It is strong enough to break through most weed cloth barriers as well. Nomenclature has changed back and forth from Leymus to Elymus the last few decades. The cultivar Grey Dawn has notably grey/green leaves and tends to stay more contained than many of the commercially available strains.
- Common Name:
- Creeping Wild Rye
- Mature Height:
- 1-3'
- Mature Spread:
- 2-3'
- Exposure:
- Sun/Part Sun
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- Green/Tan
- Soil:
- Not particular
- Foliage Color:
- Green
- Flower Time:
- Summer