1. Giant Wildrye Grass – Leymus condensatus
(LIE (or LAY)-mus con-den-SAY-tus)
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Native to: Western N. America ; dunes, dry plains, dry or moist places in grasslands, Coastal Sage
Scrub, Chaparral.
cool season grass
mature height:
3-8.5 ft.
mature width: 4+ ft
Large, densely clumping perennial grass that spreads vigorously by rhizomes. Summer dormant in dry
conditions. Long lifespan.
Extremely hardy.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: blooms in summer; typical grass flowers (small, green-brown) on elevated stalks.
Flowering stalks are bold and showy – makes a real statement!
Uses in the garden: Large, robust accent or background plant.
Bold border plant or informal screen.
Great on slopes. Would look fine in large containers. Cultivar “Canyon Prince” is smaller, more bluegreen – often used as an ornamental grass or ground cover.
Sensible substitute for: large non-native bunching grasses such as Pampas Grass
Attracts: birds (nest, cover food); butterflies (larval food)
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to some shade
Any soil texture; tolerates alkaline and salty soils
Not particular; can tolerate seasonal wetness, regular irrigation, dry garden
Low (medium to increase vigor)
tolerates maritime conditions, fire
vigorous growth – so contain if necessary. Curtailing water decreases growth.
Severely shear (as often as yearly for “Canyon Prince”) in fall/winter to keep from getting leggy.
Remove spent leaves.
Management:
From seed: collect ripe seed summer/fall. Sow in ground or pots in spring.
High
germination rates under warm, light conditions. Germination: 14-30 days.
By divisions: spring or
summer
Propagation:
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-4, 8-14, 16, 20, 21, 25, 28
12/6/10
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