Western Wheatgrass
(Elymus smithii)
Western Wheatgrass (Elymus smithii)
/
/
Cleveland Powell
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Cleveland Powell
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cleveland Powell | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Cleveland Powell | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-25T16:57:07-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Elymus smithii, commonly known as Western Wheatgrass, is a perennial evergreen grass native to the Great Plains and intermountain regions of the Central and Western USA, as well as Western Canada. This hardy grass typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and spreads to about 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. Western Wheatgrass forms dense, blue-green tufts and is valued for its durability and drought resistance. It is a key species in prairie ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife.
Western Wheatgrass is appreciated for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is also used for low-maintenance lawns and erosion control due to its extensive root system. While it can be mowed to maintain a tidy appearance, it does not tolerate shade well. In cultivation, it is best suited for full sun environments. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can outcompete other species and may be considered invasive outside its native range. It is recommended to consult local guidelines before planting to prevent ecological imbalances.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Wheatgrass is appreciated for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is also used for low-maintenance lawns and erosion control due to its extensive root system. While it can be mowed to maintain a tidy appearance, it does not tolerate shade well. In cultivation, it is best suited for full sun environments. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can outcompete other species and may be considered invasive outside its native range. It is recommended to consult local guidelines before planting to prevent ecological imbalances.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Great Plains and intermountain regions of the Central and Western USA, as well as Western Canada
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Pascopyrum smithii , Agropyron smithii , Elymus smithii , Elytrigia smithii , Agropyron smithii var. molle , Agropyron occidentale , Agropyron spicatum var. palmeri , Agropyron molle , Agropyron occidentale var. molle , Agropyron smithii var. palmeri
GBIF Accepted Name: Elymus smithii (Rydb.) Gould