Magellan Wheatgrass
(Elymus magellanicus)
Magellan Wheatgrass (Elymus magellanicus)
/
/

Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr |












Estimated Native Range
Summary
Elymus magellanicus, commonly known as Magellan Wheatgrass, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to the temperate grasslands and open areas of Southern South America, including Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.8-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters), forming dense tufts of striking blue-green foliage that provide a unique texture in the garden. The plant’s inflorescences are subtle, with small, wheat-like flowers that may go unnoticed, but its foliage is the main attraction.
Magellan Wheatgrass is valued for its low stature and attractive, blue-green leaves, which add color contrast in garden designs. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in borders where its color can complement other plants. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it prefers medium amounts of water, it can tolerate some drought once established. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it may self-seed and spread, requiring some maintenance to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0
Magellan Wheatgrass is valued for its low stature and attractive, blue-green leaves, which add color contrast in garden designs. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in borders where its color can complement other plants. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it prefers medium amounts of water, it can tolerate some drought once established. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it may self-seed and spread, requiring some maintenance to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 0.8-1 feet
- Width: 0.8-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Temperate grasslands and open areas of Southern South America, including Patagonia and the Falkland Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Wheat Grass
Scientific Names: , Elymus magellanicus, Agropyron magellanicum, Agropyron pubiflorum, Elymus glaucescens, Agropyron fuegianum, Triticum pubiflorum, Triticum fuegianum, Agropyron fuegianum var. chaetophorum, Agropyron patagonicum
GBIF Accepted Name: Elymus magellanicus (É.Desv.) Á.Löve