Blue-Lyme Grass (Elymus arenarius (Leymus arenarius))-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Ornamental Grass

Blue-Lyme Grass
Elymus arenarius (Leymus arenarius)

Blue Lyme Grass <em>Elymus arenarius</em>
Blue Lyme Grass Elymus arenarius
 
Features

Steel blue flat foliage that tends to grow in an arching habit. Useful for very specific situations as it is an aggressive grass. Tall flower spikes in mid summer turning beige.

This is a running cool season grass.

 
 
Culture
Tolerant of a wide range of soils from wet to dry and full sun to partial shade. Tends to be less invasive in dry, clay soils. 
 
Cultivars
'Blue Dune' 24-30" very heat tolerant 
 
Mature Height
3-4 Feet
 
Size
 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 10 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Foliage Color
Silver/White
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


 
Additional Notes
To keep foliage fresh and blue periodic cutting back during the season encourages new foliage and keeps the plant fresh looking with good blue. color. This grass is invasive but may have use as a soil erosion control plant on embankments.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic