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Sand Ryegrass Leymus arenarius

Previously known as:

  • Elymus arenarius
Phonetic Spelling
LAY-mus ar-en-AR-ee-us
Description

Lyme grass is an ornamental grass in the Poaceae (grass) family native to the coastal areas of Europe.  It is a fast-growing semi-evergreen grass with flat steel-blue foliage that has an attractive arching, irregular to narrow upright habit growing to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.

Plant in the full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil.  It prefers sandy soils but withstands a variety of soil types, moisture levels, and pHs.  It is tolerant of hot weather but can be weedy and aggressive as it spreads by rhizomes.  It is less aggressive in dry clay soils.  Cut back the leaves in the fall and divide clumps in mid-spring to early fall.  

The cut leaves are terrific for flower arranging.  This grass is highly drought and salt tolerant as well as resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.  Plant it in a location that takes into account its aggressive tendencies.  It makes an effective ground cover for erosion-prone areas. But it is best grown in a container to prevent further spread.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and spider mites are occasional insect problems.  It can grow and spread aggressively.  Around Lake Michigan, it threatens native dune plants and is listed as invasive in WI. Alternatives should be considered.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Blue Dune'
'Blue Dune'
Tags:
#drought tolerant#salt tolerant#ornamental grass#rabbit resistant#high maintenance#erosion control#blue leaves#flower arrangements#fast growing#aggressive#deer resistant#cutting garden#wet soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#container plant#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Blue Dune'
'Blue Dune'
Tags:
#drought tolerant#salt tolerant#ornamental grass#rabbit resistant#high maintenance#erosion control#blue leaves#flower arrangements#fast growing#aggressive#deer resistant#cutting garden#wet soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#container plant#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Leymus
    Species:
    arenarius
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The leaves are used for making mats, rope, and paper.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • 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
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
  • 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.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Cream/Tan
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Foundation Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Rabbits
    Salt
    Problems:
    Weedy