Riverbank Wildrye (Elymus riparius) vs. Silky Wild Rye (Elymus villosus)

These two species are visually similar, and can occur together in the same habitat, but they can be easily distinguished by the presence or absence of pubescence as well as differences in their spikes and foliage color. Elymus riparius is more limited to moist, usually riparian habitats, and ranges farther northeast, whereas Elymus villosus can be found in drier habitats as well, prefers rocky soils, and ranges farther west and slightly farther south on the east coast. These species are not known to hybridize.

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