Elymus cinereus

Elymus cinereus Common Names basin wildrye, giant wildrye, great basin wildrye Family Grass Flower Color Green, mixed Plant Type Grass Native Yes Weed No

Great basin wildrye is also known as Giant wildrye. It grows from 3 to 9 feet tall. Wildrye grows in clumps, and in the great basin it is usually found growing on deep soils. Great basin wildrye was used as a cereal staple crop by native Americans. Great basin wildrye can often be found near ancient archeological sites in Malheur County, Oregon.

Great basin wildrye has been reported to be a host to ergot fungus, than can be present when the grains turn black. Long-term consumption of ergot can cause human health problems.

great basin wild rye, giant wildrye