Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus, Sp. Pl.: 84 (1753))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 84 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elymus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Virginia wild rye, scientifically identified as Elymus virginicus, is a vital species belonging to the Poaceae family. First cataloged in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this native grass has garnered a reputation for its adaptability and ecological significance throughout North America.

Touted for thriving across a diverse range of habitats, Virginia wild rye stretches its presence from Canada down to the United States. This perennial bunchgrass is commonly found in meadows, open woodlands, floodplains, and prairies, showcasing its versatility in different environmental conditions. Its adaptability to moist soils makes it particularly valuable for ground cover and erosion control, contributing greatly to soil conservation efforts.

The physical characteristics of Elymus virginicus are as striking as its resilience. The plant typically reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet, with gracefully arching leaves and seed heads that yield a subtle, yet dignified beauty to the landscapes it inhabits. The seed heads are distinctive, adorned with long, bristle-like awns which give it an elegant, feathery appearance.

Beyond its aesthetic value, Virginia wild rye serves an array of ecological functions. It provides essential forage for wildlife, including grazing animals like deer and various birds that feed on its seeds. The deep root systems of Elymus virginicus also play a critical role in stabilizing soil and maintaining habitat integrity, particularly in regions prone to flooding or soil erosion.

In restoration ecology, Virginia wild rye is frequently utilized for rehabilitating disturbed sites and enhancing biodiversity. Its robust nature allows it to establish quickly, offering initial ground cover and suppressing invasive species. The grass’s ability to thrive under partial shade allows it to be paired effectively with a variety of other native plants, fostering a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

In conclusion, Virginia wild rye stands out not only for its graceful appearance but also for its ecological importance and adaptability. Its wide range from the cooler climes of Canada to the warmer regions of the United States underscores its versatility and significance in maintaining North American landscapes. Whether appreciated for its visual appeal or its functional benefits, Elymus virginicus remains an indispensable component of the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: virginia wild rye, virginia wildrye, common eastern wildrye, terrell grass, rye grass
Dan: virginsk hundekvik
Fra: élyme de virginie
En: Virginia wild rye, VIRGINIA WILDRYE, Virgina wildrye, Common eastern wildrye, Rye grass, Terrell grass
Da: Virginsk hundekvik
Fr: Élyme de Virginie
: Virginia wildrye

Synonyms

• Elymus virginicus f. lasiolepis (Fernald)
• Elymus carolinianus (Walter)
• Elymus virginicus f. australis ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) Fernald)
• Hordeum virginicum ((L.) Schenck)
• Elymus glabriflorus var. australis ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) J.J.N.Campb.)
• Hordeum striatum ((Willd.) Schenck)
• Elymus durus (Steud.)
• Elymus hordeiformis (Desf.)
• Hordeum cartilagineum (Moench)
• Terrellia striata ((Willd.) Lunell)
• Elymus flexuosus (Tausch)
• Elymus virginicus f. hirsutiglumis ((Scribn.) Fernald)
• Terrellia hirsutiglumis ((Scribn.) Nevski)
• Terrellia halophila ((E.P.Bicknell) Nevski)
• Terrellia jejuna ((Ramaley) Nevski)
• Elymus striatus (Willd.)
• Elymus canadensis var. glabriflorus (Vasey ex L.H.Dewey)
• Terrellia virginica ((L.) Lunell)
• Elymus virginicus var. australis ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) Hitchc.)
• Elymus canadensis var. intermedius (Vasey ex A.Gray)
• Elymus australis var. glabriflorus ((Vasey ex L.H.Dewey) Wiegand)
• Leptothrix virginica ((L.) Dumort.)
• Elymus virginicus var. minor (Vasey ex L.H.Dewey)
• Agropyron vaginans ((Pers.) P.Beauv.)
• Elymus hirsutiglumis (Scribn.)
• Elymus australis (Scribn. & C.R.Ball)
• Elymus glabriflorus ((Vasey ex L.H.Dewey) Scribn. & C.R.Ball)
• Elymus halophilus (E.P.Bicknell)
• Elymus jejunus ((Ramaley) Rydb.)
• Elymus virginicus var. jejunus ((Ramaley) Bush)
• Elymus virginicus f. jejunus (Ramaley)
• Elymus virginicus var. intermedius ((Vasey ex A.Gray) Bush)
• Elymus virginicus var. hirsutiglumis ((Scribn.) Hitchc.)
• Elymus virginicus var. micromeris (Schmoll)
• Triticum vaginans (Pers.)
• Elymus virginicus var. halophilus ((E.P.Bicknell) Wiegand)
• Elymus virginicus var. glaucus (Beal)
• Elymus virginicus var. glabriflorus ((Vasey ex L.H.Dewey) Bush)
• Elymus intermedius ((Vasey ex A.Gray) Scribn. & J.G.Sm.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Bermuda (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Lily Jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Mitch Gleason (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2015 by EOL − Jana Hill (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 9, 2015 by EOL − Romey Swanson (cc-by-nc)

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

Flower

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Elaine Kane (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Taken Oct 3, 2019 by sophie swartzendruber (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by max (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by whoa nice plant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Mitch Gleason (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2012 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Habit

Taken Jan 19, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 25, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 1, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 10, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Bark

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5290318)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:90367-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elymus virginicus L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.4

Ph minimum: 5.0