Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

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

collage of Early Wildrye and Riverbank Wildrye

Early Wildrye (Elymus macgregorii) vs. Riverbank Wildrye (Elymus riparius)

Updated December 31st, 2022

These two species can be confused as both can be glaucous and occur in moist bottomland woods. They are usually distinguished by spikes and bloom time. Although their habitats overlap, E. riparius ranges farther north and is more likely on alluvial soils and the lower portions of floodplains, often growing directly up to the water's edge, whereas E. macgregorii ranges farther south and west, is restricted to well-drained sites with deep, calcareous soils, and ventures into mesic upland woods.

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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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