Elymus elymoides
Elymus elymoides | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Subfamily: | Pooideae |
Genus: | Elymus |
Species: | E. elymoides
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Binomial name | |
Elymus elymoides | |
Synonyms | |
Sitanion hystrix |
Elymus elymoides is a species of wild rye known by the common name squirreltail. This grass is native to central and western North America.
Description
Elymus elymoides is a perennial
Subspecies
Subspecies include:
- E. e. ssp. brevifolius - widespread
- E. e. ssp. californicus - occurs in the western half of the species range
- E. e. ssp. elymoides - widespread
- E. e. ssp. hordeoides - limited mostly to the Pacific Northwest
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to most of North America west of the
Ecology
This grass is considered very good forage for sheep. It is best for grazing during the winter, when it is small and green. It becomes less palatable to livestock when its awns grow long and sharp at maturity.
Competition also occurs between E. elymoides and the invasive
Uses
The genus Elymus is a part of the Poaceae, the grass family, which is the most economically important plant family to modern human civilization.
If crested wheatgrass is used in rehabilitation or restoration of a site, then co-planting a native bunch grass, such as E. elymoides, may be helpful in preventing a crested wheatgrass monoculture. Because E. elymoides populations decline when introduced to certain populations, squirreltail may benefit more from a monoculture setting.[5] This characteristic is supported by another species, Elymus nutas. However, although it is successful as a monoculture food source, it results in a reduction of carbon transfer and decreased soil health when grown alone.[6] To preserve a prosperous Elymus elymoides food source, one must take into consideration its effects on the soil when grown alone, and its responses to competitive forces if grown with other plants.
References
- ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ Cathy Rose, Stephen Ingram (2015). Rock Creek Wildflowers. California Native Plant Society Press.
- .
- S2CID 14051865.
- ^ S2CID 56435195.
- ^ Zhao, L., Chen, D., Zhao, N., Li, Q., Cheng, Q., Luo, C., . . . Zhao, X. (2015). Responses of carbon transfer, partitioning, and residence time to land use in the plant–soil system of an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Biol Fertil Soils Biology and Fertility of Soils, 781-790. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
External links
- Media related to Elymus elymoides at Wikimedia Commons
- Data related to Elymus elymoides at Wikispecies
- Jepson Manual Treatment: Elymus elymoides
- Elymus elymoides — U.C. Photo gallery