Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
OR
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slender wheatgrass is a native bunchgrass that forms attractive clumps with narrow blue-green leaves. It produces delicate seed heads in late spring through summer, then goes dormant in winter with golden-brown foliage.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender Wheatgrass is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, street edge, backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant and brown in winter
- May appear too informal for formal front yards
- Seed heads can look messy to some
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Slender Wheatgrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.