Image of Elymus canadensis
Source: Crazytwoknobs
image of Grass
Elymus canadensis
Canada Wild Rye
Élyme du Canada

Obsolete Names

Great Plains wildrye
nodding wildrye
Seeds available at table Mixed Sun, Dry
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Green Bloom period: Jul - Sep
Max Height: 5.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
boulevard garden tolerant Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
foot traffic tolerant Tolerates foot traffic
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
Tolerates:
drought Tolerant Tolerates drought conditions
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
foot traffic Tolerant Tolerates foot traffic
limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Elymus canadensis
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Taiga Plains
  • Boreal Plains
  • Prairies
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Elymus canadensis

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Elymus canadensis

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Miscanthus (Silvergrass)
  • Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: 0 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Can be sown in late spring in warm soil.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator: Seeds easily fall off when you gently pull them off
  • Harvesting mean: Use hand to detach from main stem
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: A dozen (12) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • Harvesting video: Watch here

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity if ingested but the seeds can become foreign bodies in the eyes, toes, ears etc of pets.