Leymus arenarius

The Leymus arenarius is a perennial herbaceous plant of the grass family. It forms a dense tuft with an elongated shape. Long-lived, it is attractive with its blue-silver linear foliage covered in bloom which gives a decorative interest to the plant. The large evergreen leaves measure 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) wide and 60 cm (24in) long. They are flat and curled at the tip. They turn yellow in winter.

Called Blue Lyme Grass or Sand Rye Grass, this Leymus blooms from June to September. It produces compact spikes, similar to wheat, measuring 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) long. These spikes are upright on stiff and robust stems. They are initially blue-silver and then turn straw-colored in late summer. Native to the meadows of the northern and western European coasts, it can reach a height of 1.20 m (4ft). It is a protected species.

The root system of this grass is vigorous and running, which can make it invasive. This plant is therefore recommended as a natural ground cover. It can also be grown in flower beds, borders, low hedges, slopes, and used for decorating short grass meadows. It is an ideal perennial for coastal areas. Its main advantage is to stabilize or restore dunes in coastal regions. It is suitable for pot cultivation on terraces and balconies. This is a plant that does not like to grow alone. Leymus Arenarius can also be used in bouquets.