Virginia Wild Rye

Virginia Wild Rye
Elymus virginicus

A robust native grass with arching, bright green leaves and distinctive seed heads that mature to a soft, silvery hue. This adaptable grass adds texture and movement to wet meadows, stream edges, and open woodlands, and is valued for its rapid establishment and erosion control properties.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 3–5 ft
• Spread: Clumping, can form loose colonies
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist to wet soils, tolerates occasional flooding
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay and loam
• Deer resistant once established

Ideal for wetland restoration, rain gardens, streambanks, and low-maintenance landscapes. Provides excellent ground cover for stabilizing soils along waterways.

Ecological Value

• Provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and small wildlife
• Supports pollinators and beneficial insects
• Stabilizes streambanks and wet soils, reducing erosion
• Adds vertical structure and seasonal interest to native plant communities

Larval Host Plant For
Caterpillars of several native grass-feeding moth species.

Companion Species

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
• Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
• Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta)
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots