How much sun does Hairy wild rye need?

Hairy wild rye grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Hairy wild rye bloom?

Hairy wild rye blooms in June and July.

Where is Hairy wild rye native?

Hairy wild rye (Elymus villosus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Hairy wild rye

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Elymus villosus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Hairy wild rye (Elymus villosus) is a perennial grass native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states. It blooms in June and July.

Toxicity unknown

Hairy wild rye (Elymus villosus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–40" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Woodland bunchgrass with slender arching stems and drooping bristly seed heads, forming loose clumps in the dappled shade of forest understories on rich soils.

Growing Hairy wild rye

Grow Hairy wild rye in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides seeds for woodland songbirds and structural cover for ground-dwelling insects; foliage may support skipper butterfly caterpillars that feed on native grasses.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy wild rye need?: Hairy wild rye grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hairy wild rye bloom?: Hairy wild rye blooms in June and July.
Where is Hairy wild rye native?: Hairy wild rye (Elymus villosus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Hairy wild rye? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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