Showy seedheads with long bristle-like awns (reminiscent of barley) of this cool season grass mature in mid-summer. The seedheads often curve outward unlike Virginia Wild Rye which is more upright. Plants are usually strong clumps.
Native Plant Database
Callicarpa americana. Photo: Mervin Wallace
Canada Wild Rye
Elymus canadensis
Plant Type: Grasses / Sedges / Rushes
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
Hardy From Zone: 1
Hardy To Zone: 1
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
3 to
5
feet
Spread:
2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
5
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
5
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers full sun, often found on disturbed sites. Will grow well in partial shade also. Tolerates dry sites. Short-lived perennial. Used in prairie seed mixes as nurse crop. Disappears over time.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.