Wildrye

Elymus gmelinii

Native to:
China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Elymus
Species:
Elymus gmelinii
USDA Symbol:
ELGM

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fall Color:
tan
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base after fire; typical of cool-season bunchgrasses.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in riverbanks and forest edges

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Cold stratification improves germination rates. Seeds may germinate without treatment but at lower rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI