Canada WildRye (Elymus canadensis)
Common Names: Nodding Wild Rye, Lyme Grass, Wild Barley
General Information:
Canada WildRye is a robust, cool season bunchgrass that is native to the
United States. Growth of this plant will range from 2 to 4 feet in height. Canada WildRye forms seed stalks that will be
3 to 5 feet in height and bluish green in color.
The seed heads are large and tend to become curved when mature. Each seed has a
long awn, or beard, that is very stiff, making planting difficult without proper equipment. Numerous stems will arise
from the base of the plant and coarse leaves will form along these stems. Unlike warm season grasses, the root system of
Canada WildRye is fairly shallow. This species is perennial, but is a short lived perennial. Leaves of this specie are
long and tapering, with a finely toothed margin. The plant reproduces by seeds and tillers.
Because it is a cool season plant, Canada WildRye will begin its growth in the fall and continue to grow until the temperatures are consistently below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is not true in areas of the northern United States, where growth can continue even when temperatures drop into the low 20-degree range. Growth will resume in early spring and continue into summer if moisture conditions are favorable.
Where found, Canada WildRye grows fairly abundantly. It is found in open sunny areas, but also thrives in shaded areas along timber borders and in the damper areas of the bottomlands.
Initially, study and cultivation of Canada WildRye was conducted for information concerning the palatability of the grass as forage. It is palatable only as young growth; it becomes quite coarse if not harvested before the seed heads emerge. The seeds mature later in the summer and the plant itself will disappear totally from a stand if longer-lived perennial grasses are in competition.
In the past ten years, use of Canada WildRye has expanded. It is now considered a desirable component of re-established prairies, native wildlife habitat and areas prone to excess moisture.
Establishment:
Establishment of Canada WildRye is relatively rapid but it may take a year before weeds are crowded out. The first good seed crop should be expected the second year after planting. The grass will continue to do well for about two - four years and then will gradually decline, to 7 - 10 years eventually disappear. When planted as a wildlife-planting component, re-seeding from existing plants should insure new growth for a long period.
The species is moderately drought tolerant and is winter hardy. Other characteristics include a tolerance for shade and also for salinity.
Use of a chaffy seed drill is essential for planting the seed due to the excessive length of the awns. Broadcasting is also possible if a carrier is included (i.e. granulated fertilizer.) If planting for seed production, plant 8-10 PLS pounds per acre if used a component in a mixture, about 1 pound per acre is sufficient. The seeding depth is not as critical with Canada WildRye as with other native grasses. If the soil is dry, plantings can be made up to one inch in depth.
Management:
Care should be taken to remove competitive cool season grasses. Contact your local herbicide distributor for the chemical most effective in your locale. Invasion by woody species is also a consideration, and a midwinter burn is often of benefit. A yearly application of fertilizer is important, as cool season grasses as not as efficient as warm season grasses in the use of nitrogen, and therefore, require a definite application schedule.
Varieties:
Mandan
Native/Source Identified
Virginia WildRye
(Elymus Canadensis)
Virginia WildRye is a common version of the wildrye family that is found throughout the eastern regions of the United States. It however, prefers a wetter, more shaded site. The plant is shorter but quite similar in appearance.
For identification purposes, the Virginia WildRye plant has a more upright spike and the seed head is smaller with densely packed seeds. In addition, the awns are now quite as long as Canada WildRye and they are straighter.
Virginia WildRye grows in all but the heaviest soils in areas having over 10 inches of rainfall annually. It tolerates soils that are moderately acidic and has good flood tolerance. It is less drought tolerant than Canada WildRye.
The only cultivar is "O MA Ha" which is a proprietary product of the University of Nebraska.
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