Often confused with Virginia Wildrye (Elymus virginicus). The base of the glumes on Canada Wildrye is “V” shaped and longer awns (⅜-1 ¼ in) whereas Virginia Wildrye will have glumes that are “U” shaped and shorter awns (3/16-¾ in).
Canada Wildrye grows abundantly on prairie sites, but is also found in shaded areas on bottomland sites.
Best adapted to medium-textured soils, but grows on most all types of prairie soils.
Found in abundance along roadsides and protected areas, which indicates that it is a decreaser on prairie sites.
Very palatable and readily eaten by all classes of livestock.
