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Brachyelytrum: Shorthusk Grasses

The genus Brachyelytrum encompasses several grass species, including the well-known Bearded Shorthusk and Northern Shorthusk. These grasses are native to North America and are often found in woodland environments.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Brachyelytrum erectum (Bearded Shorthusk) and Brachyelytrum septentrionale (Northern Shorthusk)
• Common Names: Bearded Shorthusk, Northern Shorthusk, Long Awn Woodgrass, False Brome, Common Shorthusk

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family, also known as Gramineae)
• Genus: Brachyelytrum
• Synonyms:
  • Brachyelytrum aristosum (for Northern Shorthusk)
  • Brachyelytrum aristosum var. glabratum
  • Brachyelytrum erectum var. glabratum

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Brachyelytrum erectum (Bearded Southern Shorthusk) is common in the piedmont and mountain regions.
• Specific locations mentioned include Greater Sudbury and Ontario, Canada, and Milton, MA.
• Sugar maple - ironwood - short husk floodplain forests occur within the low floodplain terraces of high-gradient rivers in northern parts of the state.
• Found in wetland environments and mossy areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial grasses.
• Brachyelytrum erectum is described as a graminoid.
• Brachyelytrum septentrionale is described as a leggy, 1-meter rhizomatous grass with exclusively cauline leaves.
• Keeps its leaves in the winter and develops a round-shape shrub when growing.

Ecological Role

• Provides poor grazing for wildlife and fair grazing for livestock.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Assassin bug nymphs have been observed on Brachyelytrum erectum (Bearded shorthusk) seeds.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Brachyelytrum.