Etymology: Elymus: Greek name for a type of grain, meaning generally to roll up," referring to lemma and palea which are tightly rolled about the seed
Plants: perennial, 4'-5' tall grass
Flowers: blooms July-Aug.
Habitat: full sun; dry, moderate moisture, to wet; prairies, inland sands; in sandy, loamy soil

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4, Wetland Indicator = FAC- Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions.