About
Elymus repens, couch grass, is a fast-spreading, rhizomatous perennial grass with pale, hairy sheaths on the lower leaves and flat, green leaf blades to 40 cm long, forming a dense network of pale, straw-coloured rhizomes. Produces erect flower spikes to 120 cm in late summer. A common weed of gardens and agriculture, occasionally used for erosion control.
About the genus
Elymus, the wild ryes, are tufted or rhizomatous perennial grasses with linear leaves � sometimes attractively blue-grey or silver � and flattened, wheat-like flower spikes in summer and autumn. Grown as ornamental grasses and for stabilising coastal or dry soils.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrowth begins early in spring, which can allow this plant to out-compete others that may need warmer temperatures. Because of this, and its ability to spread rapidly underground, it is often considered a weed. However, it is a food plant for the caterpillars of several moths and butterflies, so can be tolerated in rough areas. See couch grass for more information
PruningNo pruning needed; cutting can encourage tillering (spreading by horizontal stems)
PropagationPropagates predominantly by spreading rhizomes (underground stems), although seed is also produced and can remain viable in the soil for some years
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free