The red or white kernels remain enclosed in the glumes after threshing. They are slender and acute at both ends. Emmer was formerl rown in the United States for feed on a limited acreage but now has substantially disappeared from cultivation. It is a winter annual with loose, flattened spikes bearing long, stiff awns. Spikelets fall from the fragile spike at maturity.
Spikelets are large, usually with three flowers but developing only two kernels.
Wild emmer appears not to be cultivated. Poulard wheat , Triticum turgidum L. Poulard wheats may be winter or spring in habit. Stems are usually tall, thick, and solid or pithy. Leaves are broad. Spikes are long and dense, sometimes compound or branched.