// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Blue wild rye

Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus

Blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–4'. Blooms Jun–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 21 U.S. states, including AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, ID…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–11a
Mature size: 6"–4'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jun–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus) — *Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus* — Blue wild rye. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Ryan Donnelly, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–4'. Blooms Jun–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, blue wild rye pairs naturally with: Prairie junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Smooth brome (Bromus inermis).