Elymus riparius
Riverbank Wild Rye
General
A tall cool season bunch grass sometimes used for erosion control. Most commonly found in moist soils, and on stream banks and shore edges. It is characterized by its clumping growth habit and tall, slender stems that can reach several feet in height, often found along riverbanks and streams. Riverbank wildrye produces spike-like flower clusters in summer, contributing to its ecological role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for wildlife.
Plant Description
A tall grass growing 3-5'. Hollow, slightly tapered stems grow in tufts. Long, linear leaves grow sparse and opposite on the stem. A spiky green inflorescence 3-8'' long "blooms" during summer.
Range
Common in the Northeast from Maine to Pennsylvania, then along the Appalachians until Tennessee. Sparse populations west from the Appalachian Mountains to the edge of the Great Plains.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]