Elymus canadensis aka Canada Wild Rye

Elymus canadensis is Canada wild rye, a grass that lives for several years. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its native range spans much of North America. It grows in greatest numbers in the central states and Great Plains. Wild plants grow in prairies, dunes, and open woods. They also grow on ground that has been disturbed. This grass grows in the cool season. It grows fast but has a short life. It forms upright clumps whose leaf tips arch.

Garden plants reach 2–5 feet [0.61–1.52 metres] tall. Clumps spread 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] wide through short rhizomes, or underground stems. The flat leaves have pointed tips and are green to blue-green. Stem leaves can reach 1 foot [0.30 metres] long. Their sheaths wrap around and hide much of each stem. The round stems are pale green with a light, powdery coat. Lower leaves form clumps near the ground.

Small green flowers grow on spikes that nod above the leaves. They bloom from July to September. In Chicago, records show bloom into October. Each spike holds groups of two or three spikelets, or small flower spikes. The bristly heads give the plant its rye-like look. Each grain is oval and flat inside a bract, a leaf-like cover. Dry seed heads turn pale tan and add interest in winter. Use the stems and heads in fresh or dried arrangements.

Full sun suits this grass, but it accepts part shade. Sources say it suits soils that range from dry to moist. Soil must drain well. Plants tolerate sand, loam, and clay. Once clumps take root, they can cope with some drought. The plant grows in USDA zones 3–8 and needs little care. Grow it from seed or split clumps you already have. It can spread through many seeds where growing conditions suit it. This spread may cause problems in formal borders. Sources report no major problems with insects or disease.

Use Canada wild rye in meadows, prairie plantings, and natural areas. Its roots help hold soil on slopes and dunes. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds. The grass also gives them material for nests. Zabulon skipper caterpillars feed on it. Cattle graze it, and people have used its grain as food. You can cook or toast cleaned seeds, or grind them into meal. The small seeds take much work to harvest and process. The bristles can irritate skin. Barbed awns, the stiff points on seed heads, can injure dogs' eyes. These risks come from physical harm, not evidence of poisoning.