

How to identify Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus)
Virginia wild rye, also known as Virginia lymegrass
Virginia wild rye is a perennial grass forming tufts approximately 1 foot (30 cm) in height. It proudly displays flower spikes that reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height. These noticeably bristled, wheat-like inflorescences elegantly sway with the wind. The culmination of the growing season is marked by distinctive seed heads that turn a tan color, offering aesthetic appeal well into the autumn season. Moreover, this plant has a propensity to self-propagate via seeds.
Bristled wheat-like inflorescences reaching 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height.
Caryopsis fruits cluster into a spiky spike up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Flat, linear leaves with sharp tips, growing up to 1 foot (30 cm) long.
Compact flower spikes, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, lack prominent petals.
Distinctive tan seed heads after blooming season, aesthetic well into autumn.
The leaves of virginia wild rye are flat, linear, and pointed. Infertile leaves grow in tufts, reaching up to 1 foot (30 cm) long. In spring and summer, alternate leaves appear on the stems. They exhibit a smooth texture with a prominent vein running along the length, and are typically green in color. The slender, elongated shape and sharp tips are distinguishing characteristics crucial for identification.
Virginia wild rye features wheat-like inflorescences that bloom from June to October. The flower spikes are green to light brown and measure approximately 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long. Each spikelet consists of multiple florets arranged along the central stem in a linear fashion. The flowers are subtle and lack prominent petals but are distinguished by their dense, bristly appearance. There is no noticeable scent. The overall structure is compact, making them easily identifiable in grassland habitats during the blooming season.
The fruit of virginia wild rye is a caryopsis, a type of dry fruit where the seed is fused with the fruit wall, typical among grasses. When ripe, these grains are tan to brownish in color, enclosed by elongated, tough glumes. Each caryopsis measures about 0.08-0.12 inches (2-3 mm) long, displaying a characteristic smooth and somewhat glossy texture. These fruits cluster tightly together, forming a spiky, narrow spike that may reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, contributing to the plant's identifiable grain-like appearance available from mid-summer through late autumn.
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Scientific Classification of Virginia wild rye