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 Elymus canadensis

Canada wildrye 

 Scientific name: Elymus canadensis

Common name: Canada wildrye

Region of origin: North America


Photo courtesy Virginia Kline

 
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Highlights:

Weed Suppressive Rating: Good - Excellent

Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Height x Spread: 36 to 60 in. x 4 to 24 in.

Season of bloom: Late summer to early autumn

Flower color: Red brown

Exposure: Full sun

Soil requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Moisture requirements: Moist soil. Drought tolerant

Physical description: This perennial ornamental grass forms tufts with erect stems that reach 4-6 ft tall, and spreads 24 inches wide. Leaves are medium-green to blue-green, have a rough texture, and reach 8-14 in. long. Flowering occurs in late summer and early autumn. Flowers are 8-10 in. long, colored red-brown, and are borne in dense spikes.

Optimal growing conditions: Canada wildrye performs best in well-drained soils with a medium fertility, and can tolerate humid conditions. It prefers full sun. Winter hardiness: Zones 3-8.

Susceptibility to pests and diseases: A number of diseases may infect Canada wildrye. The list includes damping off, ergot, cat-tail, powdery mildew, tar spot, rust, smut, brown patch and some fungal spots may occur.

Use: Canada wildrye is mainly used in rock gardens, or in mixed borders.

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