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

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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