Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Canada Wildrye and Southeastern Wildrye

Canada Wildrye (Elymus canadensis) vs. Southeastern Wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus)

Updated January 30th, 2023

These two species are sometimes confused, especially in the southeastern to east-central Great Plains where their ranges most overlap. Both can occur in a range of moisture conditions and in full sun, both are often glaucous, and both have long, robust spikes with long awns. They are easily distinguished by close examination of the spikes. E. canadensis ranges much farther north and west, and is more likely on higher pH soils and on disturbed sites, whereas E. glabriflorus ranges much farther southeast and tolerates more acidic soils. Although E. canadensis is common on sandy soils farther north, where these species overlap, E. glabriflorus is more likely on sandy soils.

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collage of Early Wildrye and Southeastern Wildrye

Early Wildrye (Elymus macgregorii) vs. Southeastern Wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus)

Updated December 27th, 2022

These two species are similar and easily confused as both have upright spikes with long, spreading awns. They are usually easily distinguished by spike length and bloom time. E. macgregorii ranges farther north and west, and is more restricted to shadier, moister habitats with base-rich soils, whereas E. glabriflorus ranges farther southeast and onto drier, more upland habitats, and acidic soils. These species can hybridize and intergrade, so it may not be possible to ID all individuals.

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