Junegrass Plant Care
Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Psathyrostachys juncea is a species of grass known by the common name Russian wildrye. It was formerly classified as Elymus junceus.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Junegrass?
Water Junegrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Junegrass Native To?
What Is the Junegrass?
Junegrass (Psathyrostachys juncea) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Psathyrostachys genus. Junegrass is native to Russia and China, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Canada and the United States. Junegrass is also known as Russian Wild Rye, Desert Wheatgrass.
Junegrass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Junegrass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Junegrass?
Psathyrostachys juncea 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 Junegrass Need?
Junegrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Junegrass Prefer?
Psathyrostachys juncea grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Junegrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Junegrass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Junegrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Junegrass?
Feed Junegrass every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Junegrass?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. 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 Junegrass?
Junegrass can be propagated through division, seed sowing.
Is the Junegrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Junegrass, 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 Junegrass?
Junegrass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, spider mites. 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 Junegrass Need?
Junegrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Junegrass is native to Russia and China, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Canada and the United States. In cooler regions, grow Junegrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Junegrass 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 Psathyrostachys genus — compare its care with other Psathyrostachys species on PlantoScan.
Psathyrostachys is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Junegrass 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: Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski, family Poaceae (first published in Fl. URSS 2: 714 (1934)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Junegrass, 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 13b, 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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