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Leymus mollis ssp. mollis (Trin.) Pilger

American dune grass, American dunegrass, Beach wild rye

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonyms: Elymus mollis, Elymus arenarius ssp. mollis

USDA Symbol: LEMOM2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A stout-stemmed grass, 2-4 ft. tall, from creeping rhizomes. Basal leaves are numerous and overlapping and, in many forms, are a bright, glaucous blue. The flower spike is erect, dense, soft and pale.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , IL , ME , MA , MI , NH , OR , PA , WA
Canada: NB , PE
Native Distribution: Coasts from AK to Greenland, s. to MA & c. CA; also Lake Superior
Native Habitat: Coastal sand dunes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Sands.
Conditions Comments: The creeping rhizomes can be invasive in loose sands. European dune grass, Elymus arenarius L., is very similar. Many authorities now consider them as belonging to the same species, E. arenarius.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed or rhizome divisions.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Recommended Species Lists

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Leymus mollis ssp. mollis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Leymus mollis ssp. mollis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Leymus mollis ssp. mollis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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