Texas Wildrye
Elymus interruptus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–48" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaTexas Wildrye is a tall native bunch grass that forms upright clumps with graceful seed heads. It blooms for an extended period from spring through summer, providing texture and movement in the landscape. This drought-tolerant perennial goes dormant in winter but returns reliably each spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Texas Wildrye is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Cut back in late winter
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for birds, particularly quail and other ground-feeding species. As a native grass, it offers nesting material and habitat for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Texas Wildrye need?
- Texas Wildrye grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Texas Wildrye bloom?
- Texas Wildrye blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Texas Wildrye native?
- Texas Wildrye (Elymus interruptus) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Texas Wildrye HOA-friendly?
- Texas Wildrye 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 Texas Wildrye? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz