Grass - Virginia Wildrye

Virginia Wildrye

Botanical Name

:

Elymus virginicus

Plant Type

:

Perennial cool-season bunchgrass

Seasons

:

Active growth in spring and fall, flowers in summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade (3–6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

50–65°F (10–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained loamy, clay, or sandy soil; tolerates periodic flooding

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

10–21 days, benefits from cold stratification. Plant seeds in fall or early spring for best germination

P.H. Level

:

5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Water/Irrigation

:

Medium water needs, prefers moist soils but is drought-tolerant once established

Fertilization

:

Not needed but organic compost or a light nitrogen boost in early spring can help growth in poor soils

Habit

:

Not needed but organic compost or a light nitrogen boost in early spring can help growth in poor soils

Propagation

:

Seed is the most common method. Division is possible, but not typically practiced

Final Plant Height

:

2–4 feet (60–120 cm)

Spread

:

1–2 feet (30–60 cm). Clumps gradually expand and can self-seed

Flowers

:

Green to purplish seed heads in summer, turning golden brown in fall

Attracts

:

Birds (seeds in fall), pollinators, and grazing wildlife

Uses

:

Erosion control, prairie restoration, woodland edges, cover crop, livestock forage

Companions

:

Switchgrass, Big Bluestem, Asters, Goldenrod, Wild Bergamot

Pruning

:

Cut back in early spring to allow new growth

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Few pest issues but may attract grasshoppers or aphids in dry conditions

Diseases

:

Occasionally affected by rust or powdery mildew in humid conditions

Botanical Name

:

Elymus virginicus

Plant Type

:

Perennial cool-season bunchgrass

Seasons

:

Active growth in spring and fall, flowers in summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade (3–6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

50–65°F (10–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained loamy, clay, or sandy soil; tolerates periodic flooding

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

10–21 days, benefits from cold stratification. Plant seeds in fall or early spring for best germination

P.H. Level

:

5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Water/Irrigation

:

Medium water needs, prefers moist soils but is drought-tolerant once established

Fertilization

:

Not needed but organic compost or a light nitrogen boost in early spring can help growth in poor soils

Habit

:

Not needed but organic compost or a light nitrogen boost in early spring can help growth in poor soils

Propagation

:

Seed is the most common method. Division is possible, but not typically practiced

Final Plant Height

:

2–4 feet (60–120 cm)

Spread

:

1–2 feet (30–60 cm). Clumps gradually expand and can self-seed

Flowers

:

Green to purplish seed heads in summer, turning golden brown in fall

Attracts

:

Birds (seeds in fall), pollinators, and grazing wildlife

Uses

:

Erosion control, prairie restoration, woodland edges, cover crop, livestock forage

Companions

:

Switchgrass, Big Bluestem, Asters, Goldenrod, Wild Bergamot

Pruning

:

Cut back in early spring to allow new growth

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Few pest issues but may attract grasshoppers or aphids in dry conditions

Diseases

:

Occasionally affected by rust or powdery mildew in humid conditions

Written by Salome Wapukha – https://www.linkedin.com/in/salome-wapukha-556700193/