307 



Fig. 301. ELYMUS ARENARIUS L. Sp. PI. 83. 1753. SEA LYME-GRASS.— 

 A stout, erect perennial 6-12 dm. (20-4°) high, with extensively creeping root- 

 stocks, rather firm, flat, sharp-pointed leaves and terminal, usually densely 

 flowered spikes 8-25 cm. (3'-10') long. Sheaths glabrous, those at the base over- 

 lapping; leaf-blades 8-30 cm, (3'-12') long or more, 3-10 mm. (li"-5") wide, 

 smooth beneath, scabrous above. Spikelets 3 to 6 flowered; empty glumes (a) 

 16-28 mm. (8''-14") long, acuminate, more or less villous; flowering glumes (6) 

 acute or awn-pointed, 5 to 7 nerved, usually very villous.— In maritime sands, 

 Greenland and Labrador to Maine, Alaska to California, and on the shores of 

 the Great Lakes. (Europe and Asia.) July, August. 



This grass is one of the best species known for binding drifting sands, and in 

 northern Europe it has been cultivated with beach-grass [Ammophila arenaria) 

 for this purpose, the two species forming an admirable combination. The 

 seeds are used for food by the Digger Indians of the Northwest. It possesses 

 little or no forage value. 



