Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus violaceus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slender wheatgrass is a native bunch grass that forms upright clumps with fine-textured blue-green foliage. It produces delicate seed heads in early summer and turns golden tan in fall, maintaining an attractive appearance through winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender Wheatgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, street edge, backyard only.
- May appear too informal for conservative front yard plantings
- Seed heads can look wild to some homeowners
Wildlife value
This grass provides nesting material and seeds for birds, particularly sparrows and finches. The foliage also serves as host material for several native moth and butterfly larvae.
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.