How much sun does Snake River wheatgrass need?

Snake River wheatgrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Snake River wheatgrass bloom?

Snake River wheatgrass blooms in May and June.

Where is Snake River wheatgrass native?

Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis) is native to ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Snake River wheatgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Elymus wawawaiensis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis) is a perennial grass native to ID, OR, WA. It blooms in May and June.

Toxicity unknown

Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

ID, OR, WA

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains

An upright, non-rhizomatous bunchgrass with narrow blue-green blades and slender seed spikes. Grows on dry, rocky slopes and canyon grassland, forming discrete clumps rather than spreading.

Growing Snake River wheatgrass

Grow Snake River wheatgrass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The bunchgrass structure provides nesting cover for ground-nesting birds, and the seeds feed small mammals and songbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Snake River wheatgrass need?: Snake River wheatgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Snake River wheatgrass bloom?: Snake River wheatgrass blooms in May and June.
Where is Snake River wheatgrass native?: Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis) is native to ID, OR, WA, 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 Snake River wheatgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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