Western Wheatgrass

LATIN NAMEAgropyron smithii LONGEVITYPerennial SEASONCool ORIGINNative DETAILS• This strongly rhizomatous grass is stiffly erect.• Leaf blades are rough textured. The seeds on the spike-type seedhead overlaps the next by one-half their length.• Appears blue-green in color, growing in colonies.• Produces new growth from axillary buds at the basal nodes of the stems and at the rhizomes.• Becomes dormant during the hot summer months; greens up in the fall if moisture is available.• Reproduces from seed and from rhizomes.• Valuable forage for livestock and wildlife.• Valuable winter forage.• Grows best on clay loam soils. Also adapted to well-drained bottomland soils and tolerates alkaline and saline conditions. QUALITY TRAITS