Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis): Graceful Native with Nodding Seed Heads

Overview

Canada Wild Rye is a cool-season, perennial bunchgrass native to much of North America. It forms upright clumps of broad, green to blue-green leaves. In mid-summer, it produces graceful, nodding, bristly spikes that start green, turn golden, and persist into winter. Grows 3-5 feet tall. Good for naturalistic plantings.

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Cultivation & Uses

Full sun to part shade; adaptable to many soils, including clay. Drought-tolerant once established. Excellent for prairie restorations, erosion control, and native meadows. The nodding spikes are ornamental. Self-sows moderately. Cut back in late winter.