Lyme grass, Rancheria grass, European dune grass, Sea Lyme grass, Strand wheat, Blue dune grass
Leymus arenarius

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A vigourous grass with spreading rhizomes. It grows 30-38 cm high and spreads 0.9-2 m wide. The leaves are silvery and arch over. They are 60 cm long. The flowers are white and in upright spikes.

There are about 40 Leymus species. They grow in northern temperate zones. It is high in protein. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on sand dunes. It is salt tolerant. It is best in a sunny location. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, Europe, Falklands, France, Iceland, Ireland, North America, South America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The grain is cooked like rice and eaten with game meat. It can be served with sugar and cream as a breakfast cereal. It is mixed half and half with wheat flour for pancakes, biscuits and muffins.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

They can be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Elymus arenarius L.;