Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Horticultural selection from Elymus condensatus. This medium grass, a selection of the hardy Leymus condensatus, has striking blue-green foliage that adds interest and color contrast to any landscape. Its powdery blue flower stalks grow 1' -2' above the broad leaves and can be cut and used in floral arrangements. This specimen grass can be used in a variety of ways; filling large patio containers or spilling over small planters. The foliage color contrasts nicely with the dark green of Ceanothus or Manzanitas. In addition to its aesthetic value, it is a great slope stabilizer, adaptable to many soils, drought tolerant but will also tolerate watering. Cut back every few years for best appearance.

Horticultural selection L. condensatus: origin = cuttings (1968) by Ralph Philbrick, Prince Island off san Miguel Island, santa Barbara Co.; intro sBBG 1986. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selection of E.condensatus from prince Island off of san Miguel Island. Introduced by santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Plant type

Grass

Size

2 - 3 ft Tall
4 - 6 ft Wide

Form

Clumping, spreading

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Evergreen

Flowering season

Spring, Summer

Special uses

Groundcover, Deer resistant

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Very Low

Ease of care

Easy

Cold tolerance

15

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Tolerates a wide variety of soils. Tolerates serpentine soil..
Soil PH: 5.0 - 8.0

Maintenance

Can be pruned back to the ground in summer if it becomes floppy. Remove rhizomes to control spread

Sunset Zones

7, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

California Encelia, California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Coyotebrush, Oaks, Salvia spp., Eriogonum spp.

Bats
Caterpillars
Butterflies