Elymus trachycaulus
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Slender Wheatgrass
Slender Wheatgrass is a versatile wild rye grass species that can vary quite a lot in appearance, but generally grows 3 – 5 ft. tall and bears narrow flower clusters with spikelets pressed against the stem.
It prefers open spaces with loamy or clay soils (it grows poorly in sandy soils, so best to avoid). In the garden, it establishes quickly and is a likely larval host plant for a few species of skipper butterflies and several species of moths.
Lifeform:
Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Other: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Moths, Drought Tolerant
| Ecological Value | Likely larval host plant for several moth species and a few skipper butterfly species. |
|---|---|
| Historical Uses | Navajo peoples use Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus for horse feed, which is sometimes harvested for winter use., The leaves are also eaten by dogs to cause emesis. |
| Distribution | Northern Canada to Mexico |
| Elevation | 4" – 12524" |
| Habitat | Open places |
| Communities | wetland-riparian |