Relatives
Leymus arenarius (L). Hochst. - Sandy wild rye.
Taxonomic position.
Family Poaceae Benth., genus Agropyron Gaertn.Morphology and biology.
Perennial grass. Stems 60-120 cm tall, thick and smooth. Leaves flat or with wavy edges, 5-10 mm wide, smooth on undersides, rough on upper sides; glabrous leaf sheaths, smooth. Spikes are 15-25 cm long, up to 2.5 cm wide. Spikelets are 15-30 mm in length; 3-5 flowers sit on axis of spike. Spikelet scales are lanceolate-subulate, long pointed, with short pubescence at the top; the bottom floral scales are oblong-lanceolate, 14-21 mm in length, and have short, dense pubescence, without arista. Blossoms in June-July.Distribution.
Occurs throughout the Northern and Northwestern European part of the former USSR and Northern Europe. Has been introduced into North America.Ecology.
Grows on open sand.Use and economic value.
Vegetative reclamation.Reference citations:
Hulten E., Fries M. 1986. Atlas of Northern European Vascular Plants North of the Tropic of Cancer. Vol. 1-3. Konigstein, 1172 pp.Shelyak-Sosonko, Y.P., ed. 1977. Grasses of Ukraine. Kiev: Naukova Dumka. 518 pp.
Tolmachev, A.I., ed. 1974. Flora of the Northeast of the European part of the USSR. Vol. 1. Families Polypodiaceae - Gramineae. Leningrad: Nauka, 275 pp.
Tzvelev N.N. 1976. Grasses of the USSR. Leningrad: Nauka, 788 pp.