Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Elymus elymoides (Rafinesque) Swezey subsp. brevifolius (J.G. Smith) Barkworth
(Longleaf Squirreltail)

Family: Poaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Elymus longifolius (Smith) Gould
Sitanion brevifolium J.G. Smith
Sitanion caespitosum J.G. Smith
Sitanion hystrix (Nuttall) J.S. Smith in part
Sitanion longifolium J.G. Smith
Sitanion molle J.G. Smith
Sitanion pubiflorum J.G. Smith
Sitanion rigidum sensu W&S

Elymus elymoides subsp. brevifolius is found nearly everywhere in New Mexico. The rachis disarticulates easily and portions of it are seen blowing in the wind along the roadway. This grass is commonly confused with Hordeum jubatum, which is daintier and bears spikelets in threes.
Please click on an image for a larger file.

Elymus elymoides subsp. brevifolius, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Knight Mtn., Apr. 21, 2007

Elymus elymoides subsp. brevifolius, mature spike, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Pk. turnoff, Nov. 12, 2007

Elymus elymoides subsp. brevifolius, photomicrograph of cross section of stem stained with crystal violet, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Silver City (in front of Wendy's), September 24, 2022

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