Blue Lyme Grass
Leymus arenarius
Native to Europe, blue lyme grass is still a popular ornamental species. It is often labeled as, "blue dune grass" in garden centers. It can become very aggressive in its preferred habitats (sunny, well-drained areas), and has become a larger problem along Lake Michigan, including in Wisconsin. 

While blue lyme grass has the potential to grow close to five feet tall, it often flops over giving it the appearance of a smaller plant. Its main identifier is the bright-blue stems. When compared alongside native dune grass, the contrast is quite obvious. 

Spreading by runners, or rhizomes, management can be difficult which is one of the reasons it is considered a priority species within the Go Beyond Beauty program. 
Photo credits: Sharon Yiesla | Kristian Peters
Learn More About Blue Lyme Grass:
Blue Lyme Grass Facts
  • Introduced locally to the Great Lakes region as an ornamental species. 
  • While it primarily spreads via rhizomes, there is also some seed dispersion. 
  • Very drought tolerant.
Management Options
  • Because blue lyme grass spreads via rhizomes, removal and continued management can be difficult. If this route is taken, one must take extreme care to remove all of the root fragments. 
  • An herbicide application in spring, when native plants are dormant, is an option. However, repeated treatments and continued monitoring will be required to ensure all plants were killed.