Sand Ryegrass

Leymus arenarius

Native to:
Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Leymus
Species:
Leymus arenarius
USDA Symbol:
LEAR11

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
green, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in coastal dunes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks at 4°C.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society