Elymus alaskanus, a striking perennial grass, forms attractive clumps of blue-green foliage topped with upright, bristly seed heads. It's a resilient native grass.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in fall and winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Prefers temperate climates and is very cold-hardy. Can withstand significant frost and snow cover during dormancy.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Alaska wild rye regularly during its active growing season, especially in warmer months. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in the dormant season.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as this grass prefers moderately moist conditions but dislikes waterlogged soil.
Prune Alaska wild rye in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's dead foliage to about 5-10 cm above the ground.
This encourages fresh, healthy growth and maintains the plant's tidy appearance. Remove any winter-damaged leaves at this time.
Propagate Elymus alaskanus by division in early spring or autumn. Carefully dig up established clumps and separate them into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots.
Replant immediately into well-prepared soil. This is the most reliable method for home gardeners.
Repotting is generally not required for established clumps of Alaska wild rye grown in the ground, as it is a perennial grass.
If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space. Choose a container slightly larger than the current one with good drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Where Alaska Wild Rye (Elymus alaskanus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Elymus |
| Species | Elymus alaskanus |
Similar in genus Elymus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
