Leymus arenarius

RHS Plant Profile
lyme grass

Other common names

European dune grass, sea lyme grass, sea lyme-grass, amdowellt

Synonyms

Leymus arenarius 'Glaucus'
Elymus arenarius

Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen, 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