Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis, Sp. Pl.: 83 (1753))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 83 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elymus

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. America

Description

Canada wild rye, known scientifically as Elymus canadensis, is a vibrant and resilient member of the Poaceae family. Often recognized for its adaptability and widespread presence, this hardy grass species was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, as noted in “Species Plantarum.”

Native to North America, Canada wild rye thrives across a diverse range of habitats, from prairies to woodlands and along riverbanks. Its ability to establish itself in various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, makes it a valuable plant for soil conservation and habitat restoration projects. Its robust root system helps prevent erosion, making it integral for maintaining ecological balance in natural landscapes.

Characterized by its distinctive arching seed heads, Elymus canadensis typically grows between 2 to 5 feet tall. The flower spikes, often described as elegant and graceful, emerge in the summer, contributing to the plant’s ornamental appeal. These spikes feature long, bristle-like awns that add texture and visual interest to the plant, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscape architects aiming to create naturalized areas.

Ecologically, Canada wild rye plays a crucial role in supporting wildlife. It provides cover and food for various bird species and serves as a host plant for several butterfly and moth species, underpinning its importance in the local ecosystem. Furthermore, its seeds are a food source for small mammals and birds, enhancing its value beyond aesthetic and soil conservation purposes.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Elymus canadensis is also appreciated for its ease of growth and low maintenance requirements. It is a perennial grass that can withstand both drought and moderate shade, though it flourishes best in full sun. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for sustainable and low-input plants.

In summary, Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis) is a multifaceted grass species celebrated for its ecological significance, adaptability, and aesthetic value. With a rich history dating back to Linnaeus’ initial classification, this versatile plant continues to be a cornerstone in conservation efforts and ornamental gardening across North America.

Common Names

Eng: canada wild rye, great plains wild rye, canada wildrye, great plains wildrye, nodding wildrye
Dan: canadisk hundekvik
Swe: kanadaelm, borstelm
Ces: pýrovník kanadský
Fra: élyme du canada
Nno: kanadakveke
Nob: kanadakveke
En: Canada wild rye, Great Plains wild rye, Canada wildrye, Nodding Wild Rye, Wiegand’s Wild Rye, Wiegand’s wildrye, Great Plains wildrye, Nodding wildrye
Cs: Pýrovník kanadský
Da: Canadisk hundekvik
Fi: Kanadanvehnä
Fr: Élyme du Canada
De: Kanada-Quecke, Kanadische Haargerste
Nb: Kanadakveke
Nn: Kanadakveke
Pt-br: Centeio-silvestre-do-Canadá
Sv: Kanadaelm, Borstelm

Synonyms

• Elymus canadensis f. glaucifolius ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Fernald)
• Hordeum patulum (Moench)
• Elymus crescendus ((Ramaley) C.F.Wheeler)
• Elymus canadensis var. philadelphicus ((L.) Farw.)
• Elymus canadensis var. pendulus (Eaton & Wright)
• Clinelymus canadensis ((L.) Nevski)
• Elymus philadelphicus var. robustus ((Scribn. & J.G.Sm.) Farw.)
• Elymus glaucifolius var. robustus ((Scribn. & J.G.Sm.) Bush)
• Elymus wiegandii f. calvescens (Fernald)
• Elymus wiegandii (Fernald)
• Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Trevir.)
• Elymus robustus (Scribn. & J.G.Sm.)
• Terrellia canadensis var. glaucifolia ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Lunell)
• Elymus robustus var. vestitus (Wiegand)
• Elymus canadensis var. albanensis (Lepage)
• Terrellia canadensis ((L.) Lunell)
• Elymus canadensis f. crescendus (Ramaley)
• Elymus philadelphicus (L.)
• Elymus canadensis var. brachystachys ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) Farw.)
• Elymus glaucifolius var. crescendus ((Ramaley) Bush)
• Elymus canadensis f. calvescens ((Fernald) Bowden)
• Elymus canadensis var. wiegandii ((Fernald) Bowden)
• Elymus brachystachys (Scribn. & C.R.Ball)
• Elymus canadensis f. wiegandii ((Fernald) Scoggan)
• Roegneria canadensis ((L.) Hyl.)
• Sitanion brodei (Piper)
• Elymus philadelphicus var. brachystachys ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) Farw.)
• Elymus canadensis var. hirsutus ((Farw.) Dorn)
• Elymus philadelphicus var. hirsutus (Farw.)
• Elymus philadelphicus var. pendulus ((Eaton & Wright) Farw.)
• Hordeum canadense ((L.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Elymus canadensis subsp. wiegandii ((Fernald) Á.Löve)
• Elymus canadensis var. robustus ((Scribn. & J.G.Sm.) Mack. & Bush)
• Elymus glaucifolius (Muhl. ex Willd.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Josef Slavicek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Robert Pavlat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Erin Isaac (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Wisconsin Hiker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Wisconsin Hiker (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2020 by Irène durville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 17, 2018 by Sabine Wagener (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Jesse Corriveau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Anne Sales (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 30, 2017 by Beverly Patrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5290282)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:400194-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elymus canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.9

Ph minimum: 5.0