Leymus

Sunset

Zones vary by species.

Full, Partial

Moderate, Minimal

Lyme Grass, Wild Rye
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants

These wild ryes or lyme grasses were formerly assigned to Elymus but are now known as Leymus (simply an anagram of the former generic name). They are grown principally for their blue-gray or silvery blue foliage.Very drought tolerant; will remain evergreen with some summer water.

Leymus arenarius

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Leymus arenarius

From coastal northern and western Europe. Low, vigorous clump of gray-blue leaves topped by clusters of inconspicuous flowers. Grows 3 to 4 ft. tall in bloom, spreading widely by thick rhizomes. Good soil binder; may need curbing. Flowers are not especially attractive, and plant looks best when cut back after bloom to stimulate fresh foliage. Does best in cool weather but withstands considerable heat. Grows in sandy soils in the wild; tolerates clay soils.

Leymus condensatus

Native to coastal Southern California and the Channel Islands. Basic species is usually green leafed, reaching 9 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide in bloom.