Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus violaceus
Last reviewed: July 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.
- 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Slender Wheatgrass need?
- Slender Wheatgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Slender Wheatgrass bloom?
- Slender Wheatgrass blooms in June and July.
- Where is Slender Wheatgrass native?
- Slender Wheatgrass (Elymus violaceus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Slender Wheatgrass HOA-friendly?
- Slender Wheatgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Slender Wheatgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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