Research conducted and descriptions written by Burley Middle School 6th grade students in 2023 with minor editing by RCA staff.
Wild rye, also known as Elymus virginicus, is a tall grassy plant that looks like wheat at the top. It has lots of seeds that provide food for birds and other small animals, and these seeds can also be cooked and ground to make flour for cooking things like rye bread! It grows easily in many different environments, so it is commonly used in seed mixes for restoration and conservation of native species.
Fun fact: Wild rye can also be farmed and used to feed many different kinds of livestock like horses, goats, and cows.