Canada Wild Rye - Elymus canadensis

Elymus canadensis, also known as Canada Wild Rye, is a perennial grass native to Michigan and the UP. It is decorative and has high habitat value.

Canada Wild Rye may reach 5 feet tall, but 2 to 3 feet is more typical. Like most ryes, it thrives and blooms in cool weather, making it well-suited to the Upper Peninsula. This rye is a perennial, so it won't need to be planted each year and makes a valuable addition to a field habitat.

It is versatile and appreciates full sun to partial shade, wet to dry soil, and clay, loam or sand. Spreads easily but loosely, and is not overly aggressive. Adds late summer, fall, and winter interest to a planting with graceful arching seed heads. Not the best for a small planting, but great at holding soil on slopes or adding texture and habitat value to meadows.
 
Canada Wild Rye is used for habitat creation, erosion control, and as a food source for wildlife and beneficial insects.  The seeds are edible, and it makes a good cut or dried flower.