 | Canada Wildrye: Elymus canadensis
|
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. |
| 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. |
|
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 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.
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