Hairy wild rye (Elymus villosus, Enum. Pl.: 131 (1809))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Muhl. ex Willd.

Bibliography: Enum. Pl.: 131 (1809)

Year: 1809

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elymus

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Hairy wild rye, otherwise known by its scientific name Elymus villosus, is a perennial grass species belonging to the Poaceae family. This resilient and adaptable plant is predominantly found across Eastern Canada and the Central to Eastern regions of the United States.

Elymus villosus was formally classified and described in the early 19th century, with its taxonomy recorded in 1809 in the work “Enumeratio Plantarum” (abbreviated as “Enum. Pl.”) on page 131. The naming authority is accredited to the collaborative work of Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg and Carl Ludwig Willdenow, as indicated by the notation Muhl. ex Willd.

Characterized by its distinctive hairy appearance, the hairy wild rye is well-adapted to various environments, contributing to its wide distribution range. Its lush, tufted foliage and robustness make it a recognizable and essential component within its native habitats.

This species plays a crucial role in the ecology of the regions it inhabits, offering ground cover that prevents soil erosion and provides habitat for various wildlife. Due to its spreading nature, Elymus villosus serves as a foundational plant in many natural landscapes, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Thus, the hairy wild rye stands out not only for its botanical features and historical significance but also for its ecological contributions across its natural range.

Common Names

Eng: downy wild rye, hairy wild rye, slender wild-rye, downy wildrye, silky wild rye, hairy wildrye, villous wildrye
Fra: élyme velu
En: Hairy wild rye, Downy wild rye, Hairy wildrye, Slender wild-rye, Downy wildrye, Silky wild rye, Villous wildrye
Fr: Élyme velu

Synonyms

• Elymus canadensis var. villosus ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Shinners)
• Elymus arkansanus (Scribn. & C.R.Ball)
• Elymus hirsutus (Schreb. ex Roem. & Schult.)
• Elymus villosus var. arkansanus ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) J.J.N.Campb.)
• Elymus striatus var. arkansanus ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) Hitchc.)
• Elymus ciliatus (Muhl.)
• Elymus villosus f. arkansanus ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) Fernald)
• Elymus striatus var. villosus ((Muhl. ex Willd.) A.Gray)
• Elymus striatus var. ballii (Pammel)
• Terrellia villosa ((Muhl. ex Willd.) B.R.Baum)
• Elymus propinquus (Fresen.)
• Elymus striatus f. glaber (Hack.)
• Elymus striatus var. propinquus ((Fresen.) Hack.)
• Elymus virginicus subsp. villosus ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Á.Löve)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by stan sperlak (cc-by-sa)

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

Leaf

Taken Aug 28, 2020 by george palickar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:90363-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5290327)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elymus villosus Muhl. ex Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth