Elymus canadensis, commonly known as Canada Wild Rye, is a native cool-season bunchgrass found in prairies, open woodlands, streambanks, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in a range of soil types—including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils—and prefers full sun to light shade. This adaptable grass is commonly used in prairie restorations and erosion control projects.
Canada Wild Rye is easily recognized by its graceful, arching flower spikes, which appear in mid to late summer. These spikes are long and nodding, with prominent awns (bristle-like extensions) that give the seed heads a feathery, ornamental look. The foliage is blue-green and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet, adding texture and motion to native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Elymus canadensis is a valuable component of native meadows, prairie gardens, and soil stabilization efforts. It establishes quickly, providing early cover in restoration sites, and supports wildlife by offering shelter and seeds for birds and small mammals. Though it is short-lived compared to some prairie grasses, it plays an important role in early succession and pairs well with wildflowers like black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and wild bergamot.
Elymus canadensis, commonly known as Canada Wild Rye, is a native cool-season bunchgrass found in prairies, open woodlands, streambanks, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in a range of soil types—including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils—and prefers full sun to light shade. This adaptable grass is commonly used in prairie restorations and erosion control projects.
Canada Wild Rye is easily recognized by its graceful, arching flower spikes, which appear in mid to late summer. These spikes are long and nodding, with prominent awns (bristle-like extensions) that give the seed heads a feathery, ornamental look. The foliage is blue-green and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet, adding texture and motion to native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Elymus canadensis is a valuable component of native meadows, prairie gardens, and soil stabilization efforts. It establishes quickly, providing early cover in restoration sites, and supports wildlife by offering shelter and seeds for birds and small mammals. Though it is short-lived compared to some prairie grasses, it plays an important role in early succession and pairs well with wildflowers like black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and wild bergamot.
Bloom: mid- to late summer
Habitats: black soil prairies and sand prairies; dunes along Lake Michigan; fallow fields; gravelly areas along railroads; limestone glades; riverbanks in sunny areas; thinly-wooded rocky bluffs; typical savannas and sandy savannas
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to dry
Plant type (height): grass (3 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: clay; loam; gravel; sand
