Source: Doug McGrady
Elymus virginicus
Virginia Wild Rye
Élyme de Virginie
Obsolete Names
eastern wildrye
terrell grass
Seeds available at table Mixed Sun, Medium
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Green
Bloom period: Jul - Aug
Max Height: 4.0 feet
Max Width: 1.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates medium soil condition
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Does not spread uncontrollably
Easy to germinate
Self-seeding
Does not spread uncontrollably
Easy to germinate
Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates foot traffic
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates foot traffic
Ecological Benefits:
Supports birds
Supports birds
Tolerates:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Thrives in Ecozones
- Atlantic Maritime
- Prairies
- Boreal Shield
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Elymus virginicus
No butterfly data available for this plant.
Specialized Bees Supported by Elymus virginicus
No bee data available for this plant.
Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.
Complementary Plants
- Chamaenerion angustifolium
Fireweed
Épilobe à feuilles étroites - Eupatorium altissimum
Tall Boneset
Eupatoire élevée - Ratibida pinnata
Grey-headed Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida à feuilles pennées - Sanguisorba canadensis
Canada Burnet
Sanguisorbe du Canada - Vernonia missurica
Missouri Ironweed
Vernonie du Missouri
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Miscanthus (Silvergrass)
- Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass)
- 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: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- 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.