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Blue Wheat Grass (Elymus magellanicus): Intense Blue Foliage for Cool Climates

Overview

Blue Wheat Grass (Blue Lyme Grass) is a cool-season, rhizomatous perennial native to southern South America. It forms spreading clumps of intensely metallic blue, broad leaves 18-24 inches tall. The flower spikes are inconspicuous. One of the bluest grasses, but can be aggressive in moist, cool climates.

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Family:	Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Elymus (EL-ih-mus)
Species:	magellanicus (ma-jell-AN-ee-kus)

Synonyms: Agropyron magellanicum, Leymus magellanicus.

Cultivation & Uses

Full sun to part shade; moist, well-drained soil. Best blue color in full sun and cool temperatures. **Rhizomatous spreader** – can be invasive in ideal conditions; use root barrier or plant in containers. Excellent for erosion control on cool, moist slopes. Striking in mixed borders with contrasting colors.

Grasses and Bamboo: Planting Blue Dune Lyme Grass on the Virginia Coast; Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana); Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens); Blue Lyme Grass 'Glaucus' (Leymus arenarius 'Glaucus'); Palm Grass (Setaria palmifolia); Blue Lyme Grass 'Blue Dune' (Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'); Blue Lyme Grass 'Glaucus' (Leymus arenarius 'Glaucus'); Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans); Large Blue June Grass (Koeleria glauca): Intense Blue Tufts for Dry Sun; Blue Dune Lyme Grass: Silver-Blue Spreading Groundcover

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