Elymus glaucus, commonly known as Blue Wild Rye, is a perennial bunch grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral regions in the western and intermountain regions of North America, as well as Northern Mexico. It typically forms small, narrow tufts with several erect stems, reaching heights of 0.5–1.5 m (1 ft 8 in – 4 ft 11 in). Blue Wild Rye is often found in association with other native grasses such as Danthonia californica, Deschampsia caespitosa, Festuca idahoensis, and Nassella pulchra in coastal prairies of the far west.

Blue Wild Rye is valued for its adaptability to various soil types and its ability to thrive with minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is often used for erosion control, habitat restoration, and as an ornamental grass in naturalistic landscaping. The grass prefers full sun to part shade and medium-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases under certain conditions. Blue Wild Rye does not have aggressive roots, making it a good choice for garden plantings where root competition is a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0