Turner Wildrye: A Rare Canadian Prairie Grass Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native grasses and love discovering botanical rarities, Turner wildrye might just capture your interest. This perennial grass, scientifically known as ×Elyleymus turneri, represents one of nature’s more elusive creations—a hybrid species that calls the Canadian prairies home.
What Exactly Is Turner Wildrye?
Turner wildrye is a perennial graminoid, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a grass-like plant in the same family as true grasses, sedges, and rushes. The × symbol in its scientific name is your clue that this isn’t your typical species—it’s actually a natural hybrid. You might also see it listed under its synonym ×Agroelymus turneri in some older botanical references.
Where Does Turner Wildrye Call Home?
This Canadian native has a pretty exclusive address. Turner wildrye grows naturally in Alberta and Saskatchewan, making it a true prairie specialist. If you’re gardening in these provinces, you’re in the unique position of being able to grow a grass that’s truly local to your region.
Should You Plant Turner Wildrye in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging. Turner wildrye is such a rare and poorly documented species that finding reliable information about its garden performance, growing requirements, and availability is quite difficult. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for native plant enthusiasts.
The Reality Check
Before you get too excited about adding this unique grass to your landscape, there are some practical considerations:
- Seeds or plants are extremely difficult to find commercially
- Growing requirements are not well documented
- Garden performance characteristics are largely unknown
- As a hybrid, it may not produce viable seed
What We Do Know
As a Canadian prairie native and perennial grass, Turner wildrye would likely thrive in:
- Full sun conditions
- Well-draining soils
- Prairie or naturalistic garden settings
- USDA hardiness zones typical of Alberta and Saskatchewan (approximately zones 2-4)
Alternative Native Grasses to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of Turner wildrye but can’t locate it, consider these more readily available native prairie grasses that share similar growing regions:
- Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis)
- Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii)
- Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis)
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
The Bottom Line
Turner wildrye represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that remind us how much we still don’t know about our native flora. While it may not be practical for most home gardeners to grow, it serves as an important reminder of the incredible diversity hiding in our native plant communities.
If you’re seriously interested in this species, consider connecting with native plant societies in Alberta or Saskatchewan, or botanical gardens that specialize in prairie restoration. Who knows? You might just become part of the effort to better understand and conserve this elusive prairie grass.
Sometimes the most valuable plants in our landscapes are the ones that make us appreciate the complexity and wonder of the natural world—even if we can’t actually grow them in our own backyards.
