Native Utah Plants
Great Basin Wildrye
Great Basin Wildrye
Leymus cinereus
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Great Basin Wildrye (Leymus cinereus) is a tall, cool-season perennial bunchgrass native to the Intermountain West. Reaching up to 6 feet tall, this striking grass features arching, blue-green foliage and stout seed heads that add dramatic vertical interest to meadows, prairies, and garden landscapes. Highly drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in well-drained soils but can also tolerate moist conditions. While it prefers full sun, it can handle light to moderate shade although it may not grow as tall. Basin Wildrye provides excellent wildlife habitat offering cover for birds and native ground bees. Be warned, deer also love Great Basin Wildrye. Low-maintenance and long-lived, Basin Wildrye is perfect for large-scale plantings, prairie gardens, and water-wise landscapes.
Plant Profile
Plant Profile
Scientific name: Leymus cinereus
Duration: Perennial
Native region: Wasatch Mountains, Wasatch Front Valley, and Southern Utah
Native elevation: 2500-9500 ft
Water requirement: Medium
Drought tolerance: Medium-High
Light requirement: Full sun
Shade tolerance: Low
Mature size: 4-6' H by 5-6' W
Bloom time: June - July
Flower color: Beige
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