Canada wild rye
Elymus canadensis L.
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Morphology
- Culm
- Erect, slender to stout, hollow, glabrous, green or blue-green waxy.
- Blades
- Flat or rolled inward, 4-16 inches long, .25 to .5 inch wide, slightly narrowed toward bases, midrib prominent beneath, rough or bristly-hairy above; margins fine-toothed; tips tapered to fine points.
- Sheath
- Mostly longer than internodes, rounded, usually glabrous; auricles prominent, finger-like, clasping.
- Ligule
- Short, membranous, entire or notched.
- Inflorescence
- Spikes, dense, erect or nodding, 3-12 inches long, occasionally interrupted below, terminal.
- Spikelets
- 1-4 per node, overlapping, slightly spreading, sessile, 2-7-flowered; glumes equal, shorter than first lemma; lemma awns .5 to 1.5 inch long, outward curving at maturity.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Moist or dry open prairies, stream banks, ditches, and disturbed areas, more abundant on sandy or rocky soils.
- Distribution
- Throughout Kansas.
Practical Information
- Toxicity
- Ergot can infest the inflorescence and is potentially dangerous to livestock.
- Forage Value
- Canada wild rye is very palatable and nutritious and is readily grazed by livestock. The forage value decreases with age.
Additional Notes
Comments
Tufted. Sometimes called "nodding wild rye" because of the arching heads. It is winter hardy and grows as far north as southern Alaska.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Family
- Poaceae - Grass Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 3-6 feet
- Last Updated
- 2021-08-27
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Blooms: July, August