Lagunita Creeping Wild Rye (Leymus triticoides 'Lagunita') | Native Meadow Grass

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Lagunita Creeping Wild Rye

Leymus triticoides 'Lagunita'

A low-growing California native grass with rich green blades, adaptable to both wet and dry conditions, perfect for meadow lawns and erosion control.

$22.90

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Description

Leymus triticoides 'Lagunita' is a superior, low-growing selection of California's native creeping wild rye, prized for its rich green, upright foliage and exceptional adaptability. Discovered by meadow expert John Greenlee on a ranch near Santa Cruz, this evergreen, rhizomatous grass forms a dense, colony-forming mat of narrow, bright green blades that stay lush and upright long into summer, unlike many native grasses that go dormant and turn brown . It rarely produces the narrow, unbranched flower spikes of the species, and when it does, it does not appear to set viable seed, keeping the planting uniform and tidy . Tolerant of both wet and dry conditions, a wide range of soils (including sand and clay), and salt spray, it is an outstanding choice for meadow lawns, erosion control on slopes, rain gardens, bioswales, and as a no-mow lawn substitute in water-wise and coastal landscapes.

Quick Facts

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Foliage: Narrow, rich green, grass-like blades (grass family Poaceae), forming a dense, colony-forming mat via rhizomes; semi-deciduous to evergreen; rarely produces narrow unbranched flower spikes .
Mature Height: 10-16 inches (to 18 inches) .
Mature Spread: 12-24 inches (spreading by rhizomes to form colonies) .
Growth Rate: Fast .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-11 (root hardy to 0°F) .
Light Requirement: Full sun to light shade .
Core Benefits: Low-growing, rich green meadow grass, tolerates both wet and dry conditions, thrives in sand or clay, drought tolerant, salt tolerant (coastal), erosion control, no-mow lawn substitute, host plant for Woodland Skipper butterfly .
Best Uses: Meadow lawns, erosion control on slopes, rain gardens, bioswales, understory plantings, coastal gardens, no-mow lawn substitute, mass plantings, naturalistic landscapes.

Faqs

Q: How is 'Lagunita' different from other forms of creeping wild rye?
A: Most forms of Leymus triticoides grow 3-4 feet tall, have gray-blue or silvery foliage, and often flop over. 'Lagunita' is shorter (10-16 inches), has a uniform rich green color, stays upright, and rarely flowers (keeping it tidy) .

Q: Can it be used as a lawn?
A: Yes, it is an excellent no-mow lawn alternative or meadow lawn. It can be mowed at a 4-inch height with a conventional rotary mower or string trimmer . Studies are ongoing to determine its suitability for mowing at 1-2 inches .

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is drought tolerant and can survive without summer water in coastal gardens. For best appearance, it is often recommended to water once or twice per month during summer, which keeps it green, lush, and non-flammable .

Q: Does it spread aggressively?
A: It spreads by rhizomes to form colonies and can be an aggressive grower if pushed with water and fertilizer. It is better-behaved in drier settings . This spreading nature makes it excellent for erosion control but may require containment in smaller gardens.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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