Leymus arenarius (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Poaceae
Leymus arenarius is a fast growing evergreen grass with a clump forming spreading habit. Its blue/ green leaves are strap shaped, arching and up to 1m long. Its flowers appear as upright panicles. Its roots are rhizomes and produce an extensive network.
Leymus arenarius, commonly known as Lyme Grass or Sea Lyme Grass, is native to the coastal regions of Central and Northern Europe and north North America. In its native habitat it grows on coastal sand dunes. This grass may become invasive in light soils. It may also become invasive on coastal dunes outside of its native habitat. Leymus arenarius is synonymous with Elymus arenarius.
The etymological root of the binomial name Leymus is an anagram of Elymus, the former name for this plant. Arenarius is from the Latin meaning ‘of sandy places’.
The landscape architect may find Leymus arenarius useful as part of a prairie type planting scheme. It may also be useful for stabilising sands on coastal beaches. This grass is drought and deer tolerant. Once this grass is established it is drought tolerant and tolerant of maritime conditions.
Ecologically, Leymus arenarius seeds are attractive to some birds and mammals.
Leymus arenarius Leaf (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Leymus arenarius prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This species of grass is happy in very sandy and poor soils.
Leymus arenarius requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring or summer.
