Elymus ×saundersii: A Hardy Native Grass for Western Gardens
Meet Elymus ×saundersii, commonly known as Saunder’s wildrye – a resilient native grass that’s been quietly thriving across the American West for centuries. This perennial beauty might not have the flashiest name, but don’t let that fool you. This grass has some serious staying power and could be just what your water-wise garden has been missing.
What Makes Saunder’s Wildrye Special?
Saunder’s wildrye is actually a natural hybrid – that little × symbol in its scientific name gives it away. This grass represents nature’s own plant breeding experiment, combining the best traits of its parent species to create something uniquely adapted to harsh western conditions.
As a true native of the lower 48 states, this grass has deep roots in American soil – literally and figuratively. It’s spent thousands of years perfecting its survival skills in some pretty tough neighborhoods, from windswept plains to rocky hillsides.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
Saunder’s wildrye calls nine western states home: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. That’s quite a range, stretching from the desert Southwest all the way up to the northern Rockies.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
This isn’t your typical lawn grass – Saunder’s wildrye brings a more naturalistic vibe to the garden. Growing 2-4 feet tall in attractive clumps, it creates wonderful texture and movement as it sways in the breeze. The seed heads add visual interest and provide food for birds well into winter.
Here’s where this grass really shines in garden design:
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Native plant gardens
- Restoration projects
- Erosion control on slopes
- Wildlife habitat gardens
- Low-maintenance perennial borders
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
One of the best things about Saunder’s wildrye is how easygoing it is once established. This grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it suitable for most temperate climates.
It prefers:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Sandy or well-draining soils
- Minimal water once established
- Poor to moderately fertile soil (it’s not picky!)
Planting and Care Tips
Getting Saunder’s wildrye established is refreshingly straightforward. Plant seeds in fall or early spring when soil temperatures are cool. Scatter them on prepared soil and lightly rake them in – they don’t need to be buried deep.
During the first growing season, provide regular water to help the grass establish its root system. After that, you can basically sit back and let nature take over. This grass is drought-tolerant once mature and rarely needs supplemental watering in most climates.
Maintenance is minimal – just cut it back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins if you want to tidy things up. Otherwise, let it be! The old growth provides winter interest and habitat.
Benefits for Wildlife and Pollinators
While Saunder’s wildrye might look simple, it’s actually a wildlife powerhouse. The seeds feed numerous bird species, from finches to quail. Small mammals appreciate both the seeds and the shelter the grass provides.
When it flowers, the grass attracts beneficial insects that help pollinate other plants in your garden. It’s one of those quiet contributors that makes the whole ecosystem work better.
Should You Plant Saunder’s Wildrye?
If you’re gardening in the western United States and looking for a low-maintenance, water-wise native grass, Saunder’s wildrye deserves serious consideration. It’s perfect for gardeners who want to create habitat, reduce water use, and enjoy a more naturalistic landscape style.
However, if you’re looking for a formal lawn substitute or need a grass for high-traffic areas, this probably isn’t your best choice. Saunder’s wildrye is more about creating natural beauty than providing a manicured appearance.
For western gardeners committed to native plants and sustainable landscaping, Saunder’s wildrye offers an authentic piece of the American landscape that’s both beautiful and beneficial. Sometimes the best garden additions are the ones that have been quietly perfecting themselves for millennia – and this hardy grass is definitely one of them.
