Lyme grass is a semi-evergreen, cool-season grassherbaceous perennial in the grass family (Poaceae) native to the coastal areas of Europe. The genus name is an anagram of Elymus , a related genus. The species epithet is Latin for "sandy" and references the habitat. Plant in the full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. It prefers sandy soils but withstands a variety of soil types, moisture levels, and pHs. It can be weedy and aggressive, as it spreads by rhizomes. It is less aggressive in dry clay soils. Cut back the leaves in the fall and divide clumps in mid-spring to early fall. A narrow blue-green spike of flowers appears in early summer and turns beige as edible seedheads form. The steel-blue foliage has an attractive, arching, irregular to narrow upright habit growing to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. The cut leaves are terrific for flower arranging. This grass is highly drought- and salt-tolerant as well as resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits. Plant it in a location that takes into account its aggressive tendencies. It makes an effective ground cover for erosion-prone areas. But it is best grown in a container to prevent further spread. See native alternatives listed to the left. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and spider mites are occasional insect problems. It can grow and spread aggressively. Around Lake Michigan, it threatens native dune plants and is listed as invasive in WI. Alternatives should be considered.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.