Bluebunch Wheatgrass
(Elymus spicatus)
Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Elymus spicatus)
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T9500
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T9500
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Public domain
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Photo by: T9500 | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: T9500 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Pseudoroegneria_spicata_01.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Elymus spicatus, commonly known as Bluebunch Wheatgrass, is a perennial evergreen grass native to the open woodlands, grasslands, and shrub-steppe ecosystems in the Western USA, Western Canada, and Yukon. It typically grows up to three feet tall and is characterized by its blue-green foliage and erect, spiky inflorescences that appear in late spring to early summer. The grass’s roots have a waxy layer that helps it resist desiccation in dry soils, and in moister areas, it may produce rhizomes. Variability in plant size and leaf characteristics is observed across different environments, with those from arid regions being smaller and more pubescent, while those from wetter, nutrient-rich areas are larger with broader leaves. Bluebunch Wheatgrass is notable for its extensive, drought-resistant root system that can suppress the spread of invasive weeds.
Bluebunch Wheatgrass is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types, including sandy, clay-rich, and thin, rocky soils. It is often used for erosion control, habitat restoration, and as a forage grass due to its resilience and low water requirements. In cultivation, it performs best in full sun to part shade and requires minimal watering once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases under certain conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bluebunch Wheatgrass is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types, including sandy, clay-rich, and thin, rocky soils. It is often used for erosion control, habitat restoration, and as a forage grass due to its resilience and low water requirements. In cultivation, it performs best in full sun to part shade and requires minimal watering once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases under certain conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grasslands, and shrub-steppe ecosystems
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Pseudoroegneria spicata, Pseudoroegneria spicata subsp. spicata, Roegneria spicata, Pseudoroegneria spicata f. inermis, Pseudoroegneria spicata subsp. inermis, Roegneria spicata f. inermis, Elymus spicatus, Agropyron spicatum, Agropyron inerme
GBIF Accepted Name: Elymus spicatus (Pursh) Gould