Scribner's Wheatgrass Plant Care
Elymus scribneri M.E.Jones
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Elymus scribneri is a species of wild rye known by the common names spreading wheatgrass and Scribner's wheatgrass. It is native to much of the western United States and parts of central Canada where it grows in several types of habitat including alpine mountain peaks.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Water Scribner's Wheatgrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity.
Where Is the Scribner's Wheatgrass Native To?
What Is the Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Scribner's Wheatgrass (Elymus scribneri) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Elymus genus. Scribner's Wheatgrass is native to much of the western United States and parts of central Canada.
Scribner's Wheatgrass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Scribner's Wheatgrass produces inflorescence with spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Elymus scribneri requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scribner's Wheatgrass Need?
Scribner's Wheatgrass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scribner's Wheatgrass Prefer?
Elymus scribneri grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Scribner's Wheatgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Scribner's Wheatgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Scribner's Wheatgrass can be propagated through division, seed sowing.
Is the Scribner's Wheatgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scribner's Wheatgrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scribner's Wheatgrass?
Scribner's Wheatgrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scribner's Wheatgrass Need?
Scribner's Wheatgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Scribner's Wheatgrass is native to much of the western United States and parts of central Canada. In cooler regions, grow Scribner's Wheatgrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Scribner's Wheatgrass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Elymus genus — compare its care with other Elymus species on PlantoScan.
Elymus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Scribner's Wheatgrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Elymus scribneri M.E.Jones, family Poaceae (first published in Contr. W. Bot. 14: 20 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scribner's Wheatgrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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