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Elymus virginicus
Green leaves are a good winter wildlife food; establishes quickly in plantings
Note: This item is sold by the PLS pound.
Price range: $3.00 through $16.48
For quantity discount pricing, request a quote.
Elymus virginicus, commonly called Virginia Wild Rye, is a native perennial cool season grass. Mature plants grow in clumps up to 2-4’ tall in a variety of habitats including bottomland forests, upland prairies, glades, stream banks, pastures, and disturbed areas. We currently offer Missouri Native – Jejunus, Missouri Native – Southeast and Cuivre River varieties/cultivars. The grains are edible, but their long awns must be removed before they can be used.
It prefers a little shade but will tolerate full sun. It readily self-sows and will spread over time. Virginia Wild Rye blooms in the spring (from March through May) and is wind pollinated.
The foliage is typically green or bluish green in color and has a fibrous root system. Sometimes, it has a whitish, waxy appearance. The seed heads are typically more erect than those of Canada Wild Rye, and the plant tends to be shorter in stature. It is very adaptable and has quite a large distribution area.
The flower heads are attractive in flower arrangements.
Virginia Wild Rye is palatable as forage or hay for livestock.
It is a good choice for erosion control and does well in areas such as streambanks, wild areas, prairie plantings, and rain gardens. It has a moderate tolerance of drought and low tolerance of burning.
We often include Virginia Wild Rye in the following mixes: Native Cool Season Overseeding Mix, Buck’s Hangout, Companion Grass Mix – Wet, Companion Grass Mix – Shade, and Firebreak Mix.
Videos About This Plant
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Unit | Packet, Ounce, Pound |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Soils | Dry, Average, Moist |
| Height | 36"-48" |
| Bloom Month | Jun, Jul |
| Specialty Uses | Wildlife |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Variety | Select for Packet, Cuivre River, MO Native Jejunus, MO Native Southeast, Let HNO Decide |
| # seeds/pkt | 200 |
| Packet coverage area | 5 sq. ft |
| Seeding Rate | 17.34 PLS lbs/acre |
| Cattle Palatability | Good |
| Planting Season | Dormant/Spring |
Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.
