Canada Wild Rye
Elymus canadensis (Grasses)
Canada Wild Rye has showy seedheads with long bristle-like awns(reminiscent of barley). Canada Wild Rye is a cool season native grass that matures earlier than the warm season grasses-summer-early fall. Prefers full sun but will grow in partial shade. Canada Wild Rye is often found on disturbed sites but will tolerate a wide range of soils and moisture levels.
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Beautiful seed heads |
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Provides food for wildlife |
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Tolerates most sites |
Height4-6 Feet
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Spread18-24 Inches
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Growing & Maintenance TipsA number of diseases may infect Canadian wild rye. The list includes damping off, ergot, cat-tail, powdery mildew, tar spot, rust, smut, brown patch and some fungal spots may occur.
This species should only comprise a small component of wildlife seed mixes because birddogs may eat the grass and the seed's awns can irritate a dog's internal tissues.
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Interesting NotesAs livestock forage, it is palatable only as young growth and becomes coarse if not harvested before the seed heads emerge. The seeds mature later in the summer and the plant itself will disappear totally from a stand if longer-lived perennial grasses are in competition.
In the past ten years, use of Canada Wild Rye has expanded. It is now considered a desirable component of re-established prairies, native wildlife habitat and areas prone to excess moisture. The plant has ornamental value for landscape use and the dried seed heads look great in flower arrangements.
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USDA Hardiness Zone 3 - 8
Characteristics & Attributes
New England Aster
(Aster novae-angliae )
Pale Purple Coneflower
(Echinacea pallida )
Blue Wild Indigo
(Baptisia australis )
