Elymus lanceolatus, commonly known as Thickspike Wheatgrass, is a perennial evergreen grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, prairies, and shrublands in North America, as well as the Russian Far East. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters) and spreads out to 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide. The plant features a narrow, compact inflorescence or spike at the top of the stem, which can be up to 22 cm (8.7 in) long, with each spikelet containing 2 to 11 flowers. The flowers are not particularly showy, but the grass provides a textured backdrop in landscapes.

Thickspike Wheatgrass is valued for its hardiness and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for restoration projects in degraded grasslands and prairies. It is also used for erosion control and as forage for livestock. Its ability to improve soil health can indirectly benefit human food crops when included in agricultural systems. This grass prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate low water conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. When planting for restoration or forage, a moderate density of 300-600 seeds per square meter is recommended to ensure optimal growth.CC BY-SA 4.0