[6][7][8] It is one of the first plants to establish in the process of ecological succession in the early stages of the development of a sand dune.

[8] In these loose dunes facing the ocean the plants tolerate salt spray, salty sand, little to no fresh water, unstable substrates, occasional inundation during storms, low nutrient levels, and abrasion by wind, water, and ice storms.

"[6] This makes the grass a valuable species for landscape rehabilitation in native beach habitat.

[7] Other plants that occur with the grass include Lathyrus japonicus, Achillea millefolium, Festuca rubra,[8] Ammophila breviligulata, Rhus typhina, Rosa rugosa,[1] and Arctanthemum arcticum.

[10] Leymus mollis' relative success with wheat breeding can be demonstrated specifically by utilizing the Genetic In-Situ Hybridization (GISH) method.

To determine this adaptable nature of L. mollis, its seedlings were studied in an environment in which there was low nutrient availability.

Generally, low soil moisture is considered to be an important mortality factor, yet L. mollis seedlings were able to survive successfully.

The surrounding soil may not be viable for traditional plants, however L. mollis still retains the ability to grow.

[13] As a result of strong anthropogenic pressures in today’s world, one response is to look at sustainable development of our vegetative environment.

These traits include the species’ ability to tolerate moderate burial intensity and sustain trampling, adapt to drought and water deficiency, resist many fungal diseases such as wheat stripe rust, contain high rhizome bud viability, and tolerate salt and various diseases.

This wild relative of wheat has defense mechanisms that express several stress-responsive genes that allow the species to tolerate drought and water deficiency.

These genetic factors leading to the adaptability of L. mollis to water deficiencies can be beneficial in artificial selection and hybridization.

[14] Burial tolerance: Although Leymus mollis adapts well to moderate and high drought intensities, it has shown to have even a greater tolerance for moderate burial intensity and sustain the trampling present in North American subarctic environments.

In addition, this species has large spikes, strong rhizomes, and experiences vigorous growth in environments ranging from Siberia to Canada and Iceland and the northern parts of Japan.

[11] All of these traits of L. mollis have the potential to be beneficial for crop improvement and domestication of new plant species in response to anthropogenic pressures and the increased need for food production.

Yupik peoples use the leaves to make mats, baskets, bags, and ropes for hanging fish to dry.

The Kwakwaka'wakw make baskets and hats from the leaves and traditionally have used them to line the boxes in which they cooked lupine roots.

[19] Inuit in Canada have traditionally used Leymus mollis to treat stomach problems and to weave baskets.

[20] While it is not a rare or threatened plant, its populations can be affected by processes that degrade and destroy its coastal habitat.