Unlike some similar native grasses, the blades of Elymus hystrix do not have glumes surrounding its spikelets.

[4] Elymus hystrix is a perennial meaning it does not completely die at the end of each season, but comes back the next year.

[5] Elymus hystrix is found in the United States east of the Great Plains as well as in Eastern Canada.

[7] Growth of Elymus hystrix appears to be inhibited by excess shade, but is relatively resistant to soil compaction when compared to other herbaceous plant species.

[9] It is also not immediately evident how nutritious the herbaceous grassy portion of the plant would be to humans, but potential for Elymus hystrix as a food source for livestock is also of interest.