Elymus repens
couch grass
A fast-growing perennial grass with pale, hairy sheaths on the lower leaves and flat green leaf blades to 40cm long. Produces upright flower spikes to 120cm high in late summer. Each plant forms a dense network of pale yellow or straw-coloured rhizomatous roots, which enable it to spread rapidly in lawns and borders
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Elymus can be tufted or rhizomatous perennial grasses, with linear, deciduous leaves, sometimes attractively coloured, and flattened flower spikes in summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Growth begins early in spring, which can allow this plant to out-compete others that may need warmer temperatures. Because of this, and its ability to spread rapidly underground, it is often considered a weed. However, it is a food plant for the caterpillars of several moths and butterflies, so can be tolerated in rough areas. See couch grass for more information
Propagation
Propagates predominantly by spreading rhizomes (underground stems), although seed is also produced and can remain viable in the soil for some years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning needed; cutting can encourage tillering (spreading by horizontal stems)
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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