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Elymus virginicus var. virginicus

Elymus virginicus L. var. virginicus

Virginia Wildrye, Virginia Wild Rye

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonym(s): Elymus hirsutiglumis, Elymus jejunus, Elymus striatus, Elymus virginicus var. hirsutiglumis, Elymus virginicus var. intermedius, Elymus virginicus var. jejunus

USDA Symbol: ELVIV

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)

Lush green, erect-growing. (Ontario Native Plants 2002)

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Inflorescence: Spike
Fruit Type: Caryopsis
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: The flowers (florets) of grasses are often minute and therefore not visible to the naked eye.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , AZ , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV , WY
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Fair grazing, seed and forage for birds and small mammals, used for denning and nesting material.
Use Other: Good grazing for livestock.
Warning: The awns (seed husks) of this species and some other grass species with similarly barbed awns pose a serious threat of injury to dogs in which they can cause severe eye injuries. Do not use this grass in areas frequented by dogs.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: The Grass Family is an essential larval host for most branded skippers and most of the satyrs.

Find Seed or Plants

Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX

Additional resources

USDA: Find Elymus virginicus var. virginicus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Elymus virginicus var. virginicus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Elymus virginicus var. virginicus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-03-29
Research By: TWC Staff

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