Giant wildrye

This large perennial evergreen bunchgrass grows 3-6 feet tall and 2-8 feet wide, with a fountain-like form. Native to CA and northern Mexico, and found growing in coastal slopes, sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, and some high deserts.

Giant Wildrye adds real drama to a landscape because of its size! This grass is a good native substitute for the highly invasive Pampas grass. In areas with more moisture, expect it to spread via underground rhizomes. Silvery blue, evergreen foliage is topped with tall tawny seedheads. Giant wildrye looks great in a large container, and could be used as a lumpy lawn alternative. Larval host to two species of moths, and provides nesting material and habitat for birds.

Lifeform: Grass, Perennial

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Dry, Light

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Ground Cover

Container	Stub, StubS
Ecological Value	Larval host to two species of moths, and provides nesting material and habitat for birds.
Ethnobotanical Uses	None reported.
Distribution	Found from WA east to MT, and south to TX, NM, AZ and CA and Baja CA
Elevation	-7" – 7531"
Habitat	Coastal areas-dry slopes, open places, coastal sage scrub or chaparral. In inland valleys and foothill areas-oak woodlands, high desert areas with Joshua tree woodland
Communities	Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Foothill Woodland, Joshua Tree Woodland, Southern Oak Woodland