Canyon Prince Wild Rye (Elymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince') is a California native, drought-tolerant ornamental grass with striking blue-green foliage. Spanning 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, it instantly creates visual interest in any garden setting.
In spring and summer, powdery blue flowers emerge 1 to 2 feet above its broad leaves on long stalks, which can be cut for floral arrangements. It is among the most popular California native grasses and used in a number of garden styles and applications. It is a hardy grower that can help stabilize slopes with its sturdy roots.
Canyon Prince Wild Rye can grow in many soil types. It is drought tolerant, but it looks its best regular garden water. It prefers full sun near the coast, and sun or part shade farther inland, where it may need more frequent watering, especially in summer.
As a specimen grass, Canyon Prince Wild Rye is quite versatile. Beyond the garden, it is attractive in large patio containers, either on its own or with companions.
This cultivar was introduced by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. It is a horticultural selection of E.condensatus from Prince Island, near San Miguel Island.
Elymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince' - Canyon Prince Wild Rye
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 3 - 5 feet
- Mature Width: 3 - 5 feet
- Sun: Full Sun, Filtered Sun, Partial Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 7 - 10
- Sunset Zone: Zones 7 - 12, 14 - 24
- Native Sites: Canyon Prince Wild Rye is a horticultural selection of L. condensatus originating on dry slopes, as well as in open Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral, on Prince Island, off of San Miguel Island near Santa Barbara County.
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: California Native, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant
- Special Uses: Bank Stabilization, Containers, Groundcover, Lawn Alternative