Elymus riparius (Riverbank Wild-Rye)

A genuinely uncommon but visually distinctive floodplain grass, riverbank wild-rye's arching, fountain-like seed heads set it apart from the far more common Virginia wild-rye - a strong, dense-rooted choice for streambank stabilization projects.

Species Overview

Elymus riparius, commonly known as riverbank wildrye, is a robust, cool-season grass native to moist lowlands and streambanks in North America. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and forms dense clumps with upright, arching leaves. Its seed heads, appearing in late summer, provide visual interest and food for wildlife, and this species is frequently used in riparian restoration projects.

Application

• Streambank and riverbank stabilization - dense fibrous root system for erosion control
• Riparian buffer and floodplain restoration
• Naturalized meadow and wetland buffer plantings
• Wildlife habitat - seed and cover for birds and small mammals

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, sandy, or loamy soils; tolerates periodic flooding
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft. (existing records show 3-5 ft.; see flags)
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland, regional source) - see flags
• Native Range: Widespread over eastern North America
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Commonly called riverbank wildrye for its association with stream and river margins; tolerates periodically wet soil but not deep standing water.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: None significant - wind-pollinated