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Leymus arenarius

lyme grass

Densely tufted grass to 1.5m tall, with long rhizomes, forming loose, spreading clumps of arching, pale, blue-grey leaves about 60cm long. Produces stiff, upright stems bearing spike-like racemes 35cm long of blue-grey then buff spikelets throughout summer

Other common names
European dune grass
sea lyme grass
see moresea lyme-grass
Synonyms
Leymus arenarius 'Glaucus'
Elymus arenarius
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Grey Silver
Summer Blue Grey Silver Brown Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Grey Silver
Winter Blue Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen or Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus

A genus of drought and salt-tolerant perennial grasses, found in Europe, Asia and the Americas, with long foliage in shades of silvery green, blue and grey

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Suited to coastal areas for stabilising sand dunes. Spread is indefinite so may be difficult to contain, so not suited to small gardens. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division from mid spring to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Prairie planting
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut down dead growth in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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