Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.152628
Element CodePMPOA2H0Q0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassMonocotyledoneae
OrderCyperales
FamilyPoaceae
GenusElymus
SynonymsAgropyron trachycaulum(Link) Malte ex H.F. Lewis
Other Common NamesÉlyme à chaumes rudes (FR) Slender Wheatgrass (EN) slender wheatgrass (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-01-29
Change Date1988-02-24
Edition Date2025-01-29
Edition AuthorsSoteropoulos (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsElymus trachycaulus is a wide-ranging perennial grass primarily in open habitats occurring throughout North America in Canada, Greenland, the United States (except the Southeast), and Mexico; it is introduced in Asia and Europe. Threats include succession and fire suppression, invasive species, rights-of-way construction and maintenance, recreation (including off-road vehicles), logging, and other threats in some places. Little is known about trends, but with a large range extent and large number of occurrences, abundant habitat, broad habitat preferences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsElymus trachycaulus occurs throughout North America in Canada, Greenland, the United States (except the Southeast), and Mexico (FNA 2006). It is introduced in Asia and Europe. Native range extent was estimated to be approximately 30 million square kilometers using herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1994 and 2025, it is estimated that there are over 2500 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, this species is threatened by succession and fire suppression, invasive species, rights-of-way construction and maintenance, recreation (including off-road vehicles), logging, and other threats in some places (NatureServe 2025). There is insufficient data, including anecdotal accounts, to understand the scope and severity of threats for this taxon. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities.