The Grass Gladiator!

Invasive plant species threaten grasslands on a massive scale, so finding native plants that are strong competitors is important. Although there are numerous invasions across the planet, Elymus elymoides, commonly known as bottlebrush squirreltail, is one of the strongest perennial grasses native to the Western United States. E. elymoides interacts well in disturbed and invaded locations making it a valuable plant for soil restoration (Leger 2008). This short-lived perennial grass has many forms and functions to help it withstand extreme competition as well as natural disasters (USDA 2006).

 
To find out more information about other organisms that previous students in Organismal Biology at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse created visit the Multiple Organisms website.

                           To find out how this grass is classified, continue on to the Classification page