European Dune Grass Leymus arenarius
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Elymus arenarius
- Phonetic Spelling
- LAY-mus ar-en-AR-ee-us
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
-
Cool-season grass but tolerant of hot weather; steel-blue flat foliage; can be invasive (spreads by rhizomes). The leaves are used for making mats, rope, paper, and is terrific for flower arranging. This grass is highly salt tolerant. It has a spreading, irregular to narrow upright habit.
Synonyms: Elymus arenarius 'Glaucus'
Possible Pests: aphids, spidermites
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Blue Dune'
- 'Blue Dune'
- 'Blue Dune'
- Tags:


- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Blue Dune'
- 'Blue Dune'
- 'Blue Dune'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Leymus
- Species:
- arenarius
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Northern and Western Europe
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a, 10b, 10a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Caryopsis
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- A narrow blue-green spike in early summer that turns beige.
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-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Cream/Tan
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Hairs Present:
- No
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Design Feature:
- Foundation Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Rabbits
- Salt
- Problems:
- Invasive Species