Basin Wildrye
Leymus cinereus
Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Leymus
- Species:
- Leymus cinereus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 8-12 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Woodland Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in open, dry habitats; drought-tolerant
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 6 to 12 days. A short prechill decreases germination time. Use of gibberellic acid combined with 16 weeks stratification can improve germination.
Establishment: Fertilizer application is not recommended in the first year as it stimulates weed growth. Germination rates and times can vary depending on the source of the seed and the specific treatments applied. Germination may occur most readily in the spring.
Source: npn.rngr.net