Mackenzie’s Blue Wildrye: A Rare Native Grass Worth Protecting
If you’re looking to add authentic native character to your landscape, Mackenzie’s blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus mackenzii) might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. This perennial grass species brings a slice of true American prairie heritage to your garden, though its rarity makes it a special conservation opportunity rather than your typical garden center find.
What Makes This Grass Special?
Mackenzie’s blue wildrye is a native perennial grass that belongs to the diverse world of grasses and grass-like plants. As part of the Poaceae family, it shares company with other prairie stalwarts, but this particular variety has a much more limited range than many of its cousins.
What sets this grass apart isn’t just its native pedigree—it’s its rarity. In Arkansas, Mackenzie’s blue wildrye carries an S1 rarity status, meaning it’s critically imperiled in the state. This classification puts it in the extremely rare category, making every plant precious for maintaining biodiversity.
Where Does It Grow?
This native beauty has a surprisingly limited natural range, calling home to just three states: Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Unlike some native plants that spread across vast regions, Mackenzie’s blue wildrye has chosen to specialize in this specific area of the central United States.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get interesting—and important. While we absolutely encourage planting native species, Mackenzie’s blue wildrye requires a thoughtful approach due to its rare status.
The conservation angle: If you live within its native range and can source seeds or plants responsibly, growing this grass becomes an act of conservation. You’re helping preserve genetic diversity and potentially providing seed sources for future restoration projects.
The responsibility factor: Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations. Instead, work with reputable native plant nurseries that ethically propagate rare species, or participate in conservation seed collection programs organized by botanical institutions.
Garden Design Potential
As a perennial grass, Mackenzie’s blue wildrye would fit beautifully into:
- Prairie restoration projects
- Native plant gardens focused on regional specialties
- Wildlife habitat gardens (native grasses support numerous insects and birds)
- Rain gardens and naturalized areas
- Conservation landscapes
Growing Conditions
While specific growing requirements for this subspecies aren’t widely documented, native grasses from this region typically thrive in:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soils
- Moderate to low water conditions once established
- USDA hardiness zones that align with Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma climates
The Bigger Picture
Choosing to grow rare native plants like Mackenzie’s blue wildrye connects you to something larger than just landscaping—you’re participating in conservation. Every responsibly grown plant helps ensure these genetic treasures don’t slip away from future generations.
If you can’t source this specific grass ethically, consider other native grass alternatives from your region. The key is supporting native plant diversity while being mindful of conservation needs.
Remember: with rare plants, patience and responsibility go hand in hand. The reward? You’ll be nurturing a piece of authentic American prairie heritage right in your own backyard.
