Taxonomic considerations of another sort involve the two rhizomatous wheatgrasses, thicic-spiked 

 wheatgrass {Elymus lanceolatus) and western wheatgrass {Pascopyrum smithii), which are both 

 important elements of plant communities in Carter Coimty and its rangeland resources. A summary 

 of their distinguishing features is presented below (Table 3). 



Table 3. Distinguishing characteristics between the two major rhizomatous wheatgrasses. 



They are difficult to distinguish, especially in vegetative condition, they have overall similar growth 

 forms and stature, they sometimes grow intermixed in various proportions, and are reported to 

 hybridize (Great Plains Flora Association 1986). In 1997 the production of flowering culms, which 

 have the key characteristics needed for determination, was highly reduced so that the information we 

 present has mixed levels of certainty in this matter despite work with voucher specimens, herbarium 

 reviews, and consultations. 



Community Classification Considerations 



Thick-spiked wheatgrass is described as adapted to cooler, wetter conditions as effected by climate 

 and soils, and becomes dominant to the north in Canadian grasslands (Coupland 1961). It has also 

 been described as adapted to upland sites with fine-textured soils; often saline-alkaline soils 

 (Jorgenson 1979) that become more common with decreasing rainfall to the west. It stands to reason 



From Great Plains Flora Association (1986) 

 From Looman (1982) 



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