West Highland Flora

Bearded Couch-grass


Elymus caninus

Older name: Agropyron caninum. 

Elymus caninus

Photo © Carl Farmer
11 Aug 2003 Torrin, Skye
Largest spike 14.2 cm ex awns
Grass drooping to right is False Brome

Uncommon in woods or shady places, preferring alkaline conditions.

Spikelets c 10-20 mm long excluding awns

ID: Spikelets alternating up the axis and broadside-on to it, with conspicuous awns usually 10-20 mm long.  (If awns between 7-10 mm long, could be either this or Common Couch, but most unlikely to find either of them with awns in that range).

Other features: Leaves broad, ribbed, with or without hairs on surface.  Ligule short, cut off straight, 1.5 mm long or less.

 

Elymus caninus

Photo © Carl Farmer
11 Aug 2003 Torrin, Skye

 

Elymus caninus

Photo © Carl Farmer
11 Aug 2003 Torrin, Skye

  Elymus caninus

Photo © Carl Farmer
11 Aug 2003 Torrin, Skye

 

Elymus caninus

Photo © Carl Farmer
11 Aug 2003 Torrin, Skye

 

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