Elymus virginicus
Virginia Wild Rye
NY Ecotype (grown from seed)
Short-lived perennial grass; 2-4ft tall
Cool season bunchgrass; summer green awns turn crimson-gold in autumn
Similar species to Elymus canadensis, but slightly shorter with a smaller seedhead & prefers wetter/shadier conditions
Deep roots prevent soil erosion; great for hillside plantings
Host plant to various skippers, moths & beetles — valued for biological pest control & beetle banks
Birds forage on seeds in fall/winter & collect foliage in spring for nest material
Due to its short-lived nature & small rhizomes, relies on seed dispersal for reproduction
WARNING: sharp awns can pose a threat to pets, particularly their eyes — plant accordingly
Virginia Wild Rye
NY Ecotype (grown from seed)
Short-lived perennial grass; 2-4ft tall
Cool season bunchgrass; summer green awns turn crimson-gold in autumn
Similar species to Elymus canadensis, but slightly shorter with a smaller seedhead & prefers wetter/shadier conditions
Deep roots prevent soil erosion; great for hillside plantings
Host plant to various skippers, moths & beetles — valued for biological pest control & beetle banks
Birds forage on seeds in fall/winter & collect foliage in spring for nest material
Due to its short-lived nature & small rhizomes, relies on seed dispersal for reproduction
WARNING: sharp awns can pose a threat to pets, particularly their eyes — plant accordingly
Virginia Wild Rye
NY Ecotype (grown from seed)
Short-lived perennial grass; 2-4ft tall
Cool season bunchgrass; summer green awns turn crimson-gold in autumn
Similar species to Elymus canadensis, but slightly shorter with a smaller seedhead & prefers wetter/shadier conditions
Deep roots prevent soil erosion; great for hillside plantings
Host plant to various skippers, moths & beetles — valued for biological pest control & beetle banks
Birds forage on seeds in fall/winter & collect foliage in spring for nest material
Due to its short-lived nature & small rhizomes, relies on seed dispersal for reproduction
WARNING: sharp awns can pose a threat to pets, particularly their eyes — plant accordingly
Details
-
Golden, Crimson
-
Summer
-
2-4’
-
Medium, Wet
-
Full, Partial, Shade
-
Branded Skippers, Satyrs, False Wainscot
-
FACW - usually occurs in wetlands, but can occur in non-wetlands
-
No cold stratification required