How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
 
Common Name: Canada Wildrye
Scientific Name: Elymus canadensis
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Rangeland
~Erosion control
~Wildlife habitat restoration
Height: 3 - 4 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Most, prefers medium textured
Tolerances:
~Some drought
~Salt
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 12 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 10-12 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 106,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall or spring
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Category: Grass
 
Description: 
Canada Wildrye is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass with tillers. A tiller is a shoot that arises from the base of a grass plant, just above the rhizomes. This grass’s seedhead has a bristly, spiky appearance. It is native to most of North America, excluding the deep south. Typically, it is found growing on shaded stream banks, along fence rows, and in open woodlands. While it is adapted to all soil textures, it thrives particularly well on medium textures and can also grow in sandy soils with sufficient moisture. Although it exhibits good salt-tolerance, its drought-tolerance is low.
 
Recognized for its nutritional value for wildlife and livestock, Canada Wildrye is utilized in wildlife habitat restoration. It’s vigorous seedlings establish quickly, making it an excellent choice for erosion control seedings.
 
Resources:
NRCS Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ELCA4
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_elca4.pdf
NRCS Fact Sheet: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_elca4.pdf
 
 Photo Credit: Matt Lavin