// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Virginia wild rye

Elymus virginicus

Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11b. Mature size 6"–4'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 41 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11b
Mature size: 6"–4'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus) — *Elymus virginicus* — Virginia wild rye. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11b. Mature size 6"–4'.

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, virginia wild rye pairs naturally with: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).