Leymus chinensis Seeds | Chinese Leymus
LATIN NAME: Leymus chinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Leymus
Plant Profile
Chinese Leymus (Leymus chinensis) is a grass in the grass family (Poaceae), native to grasslands of north of Asia. Across great grasslands of north of Asia, one grass covers more ground than any other. It spreads by creeping underground stems, and a single planting will soon form a broad, dense sward of fine, blue-green grass. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the grass family regularly include Leymus chinensis in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. The Chinese leymus has been studied in grassland science for its place on great steppe of north of Asia, and its tough, creeping growth and its value to grazing herds have been closely watched. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Chinese Leymus for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. For grassland and the pasture, the Chinese leymus is a grass of the first importance. Its dense, blue-green sward has long fed grazing herds of the northern steppe, and its tough, creeping growth holds the soil against the wind and the drought. In garden it makes a fine, dense, blue-green ground cover, and its slender, upright heads of small grains feed seed-eating birds. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Lyme grass binds dunes and saline soils, a rugged restoration grass for coasts and drylands.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Chinese Leymus, and the process is uncomplicated. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Chinese Leymus earns its space through character rather than fuss. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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