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| ## streambank wheatgrass {#streambank-wheatgrass .Title-Header}       |
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| *Elymus lanceolatus* (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. *psammophilus*   |
| Gillett & Senn                                                        |
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| Plant Symbol = ELLAP                                                  |
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## *Contributed By: USDA NRCS Idaho State Office*

# Alternate Names

Two subspecies are recognized for *Elymus lanceolatus*: Streambank
wheatgrass *Elymus lanceolatus* spp. *psammophilus* Gillett & Senn
(formerly *Agropyron riparium*) and thickspike wheatgrass *Elymus
lanceolatus* spp. *lanceolatus* (Scribn & J.G. Sm.) Gould (formerly
*Agropyron dasystachyum*). This is a perennial, sod-forming grass. It is
a long-lived, cool season native with an extensive rhizomatous root
system combined with a few deep roots.

# Uses

*Grazing/rangeland/hayland*: Thickspike wheatgrass is not recommended
for forage production. Thickspike wheatgrass is palatable to all classes
of livestock and wildlife. It is a preferred feed for cattle, sheep,
horses, and elk in spring and is considered a desirable feed for deer
and antelope in spring. It is considered a desirable feed for cattle,
sheep, horses, and elk in summer, fall, and winter. In the spring, the
protein levels can be as high as 20 percent and decreases to about 4
percent, as it matures and cures. Digestible carbohydrates remain about
45 percent throughout the active growth period. This species is
generally a relatively low forage producer (exceptions - \'Bannock\' and
\'Secar\'), but can be utilized as native hay when planted in
association with other species. It has been noted as one of the highest
forage producers in the Red Desert and Big Horn Basin of Wyoming.
Thickspike wheatgrass can be used for hay production and will make
nutritious feed, but is more suited to pasture use.

*Erosion control/reclamation*: Thickspike wheatgrass (*E. lanceolatus*
spp. *lanceolatus*) and streambank wheatgrass (*E. lanceolatus* ssp.
*psammophilus*) are well adapted to the stabilization of disturbed
soils. They do not compete well with aggressive introduced grasses
during the establishment period, but are very compatible with slower
developing natives, such as Snake River wheatgrass (*Elymus
wawawaiensis*), bluebunch wheatgrass (*Pseudoroegneria spicata*),
western wheatgrass (*Pascopyrum smithii*), and needlegrass (*Stipa*
spp.) species. Their drought tolerance combined with rhizomes, fibrous
root systems, and good seedling vigor make these species ideal for
reclamation in areas receiving 8 to 20 inches annual precipitation. They
are commonly used for reclamation in the Red Desert of Wyoming, where
annual rainfall is 5 to 9 inches (50 - 70 percent growing season
precipitation). Streambank wheatgrass' low growth form, vigorous sod,
and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for stabilization and
ground cover purposes. These grasses can be used in urban areas where
irrigation water is limited to provide ground cover and to stabilize
ditchbanks, dikes, and roadsides.

# Status

This is a native species. Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your
State Department of Natural Resources for this plant's current status,
such as, state noxious status and wetland indicator values.

# Description

*General*: Grass Family (Poaceae). Streambank wheatgrass has moderately
short stems and seedheads. Thickspike wheatgrass grows from 1 to 3 feet
tall and under ideal conditions seed spikes may be 10 inches long. The
auricles of both are pointed and semi-clasping. Leaves are 4-8 mm wide
and green to blue-green in color. The lemmas, paleas, and glumes are
generally pubescent. Streambank wheatgrass has no pubescence in the
inflorescence.

# Distribution

This species is common to the northern Great Plains and Intermountain
regions of the western United States. For current distribution of this
species and its relatives, please consult the Plant Profile page for
this species on the PLANTS Web site.

# Establishment

*Adaptation*: Streambank and thickspike wheatgrasses are similar to
western wheatgrass in appearance, except they are not as coarse, their
rhizomatous trait is not as aggressive, and their coloration is somewhat
greener. They are more drought tolerant than western wheatgrass. In
comparison to western wheatgrass, they "green up" and "head out" earlier
and total biomass production is generally lower. Both wheatgrasses do
better on medium to coarse textured soils. Streambank wheatgrass can be
found on slightly heavy to medium to coarse textured soils. Western
wheatgrass may be a better choice on heavy textured soils if rainfall is
high enough. They will tolerate slightly acidic to moderately saline
conditions. They are cold tolerant, can withstand moderate periodic
flooding in the spring, are moderately shade tolerant, and very tolerant
of fire. They will not tolerate long periods of inundation, poorly
drained soils, or excessive irrigation. Snake River wheatgrass prefers
deep to shallow medium to coarse textured soils.

On native sites, streambank, Snake River, and thickspike wheatgrasses
are most abundant in the 8 to 20 inch annual precipitation zones. Seeded
varieties do best with 10 to 20 inches of precipitation. They have been
seeded as low as 5 to 9 inches of precipitation with some success. The
natural geographic range of thickspike wheatgrass is from near sea level
in the Great Lakes region to 10,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. The
natural range of streambank wheatgrass is primarily the intermountain
west. Thickspike wheatgrass is a very polymorphic species and is a
component of the vegetation on such diverse sites as stabilized sand
dunes in eastern Washington, glacial outwash fans in Montana and loess
(wind blown silt loam) soils in southern Idaho. They are components of
many native plant communities and generally occupy less than 10 percent
of the overall composition. An exception to this may be short periods
following fire in Juniper stands, when they may nearly dominate the
site.

Species often associated with these wheatgrasses include the following:
the big sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata*) complex, juniper (*Juniperus*
spp.), needlegrasses, sand dropseed (*Sporobolis airoides*), prairie
sandreed (*Calamovilfa longifolia*), bluebunch wheatgrass, Snake River
wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue (*Festuca idahoensis*).

*Planting*: These species should be seeded with a drill at a depth of
1/2 inch or less on medium to fine textured soils and 1 inch or less on
coarse textured soils. Single species seeding rates recommended for both
grasses are 6 to 8 pounds Pure Live Seed (PLS) or 20 to 25 PLS per
square foot. If used as a component of a mix, adjust to percent of mix
desired. For mined lands and other harsh critical areas, the seeding
rate should be increased to 40 to 50 PLS per square foot. Mulching and
light irrigation are beneficial for stand establishment.

The best seeding results are obtained from seeding in very early spring
on heavy to medium textured soils and in late fall on medium to light
textured soils. Late summer (August - mid September) seedings are not
recommended unless irrigation is available. Pre-chilling seed aids
germination. Seedling vigor is good to excellent, exceeding that of
western wheatgrass, but less than crested wheatgrass (*Agropyron
cristatum*).

Both wheatgrasses establish fairly quickly, more quickly than western
wheatgrass. They are the most rapidly establishing native species next
to slender wheatgrass (*Elymus trachycaulus*). They are compatible with
other species and can be used in seeding mixtures. They should not be
seeded with strongly competitive introduced species. Under favorable
conditions, they can become a good weed barrier.

Stands may require weed control measures during establishment, but
application of 2,4-D should not be made until plants have reached the
four to six leaf stage. Mow when weeds are beginning to bloom to reduce
seed development. Grasshoppers and other insects may also damage new
stands and the use of pesticides may be required.

# Management

This grass begins growth in the spring about 2 weeks after bluegrass
(*Poa* spp.) species and about 3 weeks earlier than western wheatgrass.
They make good spring growth, fair summer growth, and good fall growth
if moisture is available.

Streambank wheatgrass is not recommended for forage production.
Thickspike and Snake River wheatgrass have good palatability for
livestock and wildlife. Livestock and wildlife will graze thickspike and
Snake River wheatgrass throughout the growing season, until they becomes
too coarse toward fall. Established stands can withstand heavy grazing.

Stands of these wheatgrasses should not be grazed until they have firmly
established and have headed out. Six inches of new growth should be
attained in spring before grazing is allowed in established stands.

These wheatgrasses are low maintenance plants, requiring little
additional treatment or care. However, on better sites, stands can
become sodbound (exception Snake River wheatgrass) and may need
attention in the form of fertilization and moderate spring/fall
deferment. Stands may also benefit from ripping if sod-bound conditions
occur to increase forage production. Care should be taken to avoid
excessive tillage because stands may be damaged.

Both wheatgrasses are competitive with weedy species, but can be crowded
out by some aggressive introduced species.

*Environmental Concerns*: Streambank and thickspike wheatgrass are
long-lived, spread primarily via vegetative means (rhizomes), but also
spread via seed distribution. They are not considered \"weedy\" or
invasive species, but can spread into adjoining vegetative communities
under ideal climatic and environmental conditions. Most seedings do not
spread from original plantings, or if they do spread, the rate of spread
is not alarming. They will probably cross with each other, but are not
noted for crossing with other natives.

Snake River wheatgrass is long lived and spreads primarily via seed
distribution. It is not considered a \"weedy\" or invasive species, but
can spread into adjoining vegetative communities under ideal climatic
and environmental conditions. Most seedings do not spread from original
plantings. It is a cross-pollinating species and is known to cross with
bluebunch wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, quackgrass (*Elymus
repens*), and bottlebrush squirreltail (*Elymus elymoides*). These
crosses broaden the gene pool and do not generally dominate a site or
crowds out the native ecotype and in many cases are sterile.

# Seed Production

Seed production of streambank and thickspike wheatgrass has been very
successful under cultivated conditions. Row spacing of 28 to 36 inches
are recommended (although rhizomatous, they should be maintained in
rows). Cultivation may be needed to maintain rows.

Seed fields are productive for two to four years. Average production of
100 to 250 pounds per acre can be expected under dryland conditions in
14 inch plus rainfall areas. Average production of 200 to 400 pounds per
acre can be expected under irrigated conditions. Swathing, followed by
combining of the cured windrows, best completes harvesting. The seed
heads readily shatter and require close scrutiny of maturing stands.
Seed is generally harvested in mid July to mid August.

Foundation and registered seed is available through the appropriate
state Crop Improvement Association or commercial sources to grow
certified seed.

# Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin)

Wheatgrass seed should be available through your local vendor. Contact
your local NRCS office for more information.

\'Bannock\' (*E. lanceolatus* spp. *lanceolatus*) was developed by the
Aberdeen Plant Materials Center and released in 1995. It is a composite
of collections from The Dalles, Oregon; Pocatello, Idaho; and Quincy,
Washington. It is adapted to the Northwest and Intermountain regions
where precipitation averages 8 inches or above. It prefers moderately
deep loamy soils, but does grow in sandy to clayey soils. It is noted
for rapid establishment, moderate formation of sod, high forage
production and ability to survive and thrive under dry conditions.
Certified seed is available and Aberdeen PMC maintains breeder seed.

\'Critana\' (*E. lanceolatus* spp. *lanceolatus*) was developed by the
Bridger Plant Materials Center and released in 1971. The original
collection site was in north central Montana near Havre. It is drought
tolerant, has good seedling vigor and readily establishes on critically
disturbed sites. I t is especially good as a sand dune stabilization
species. \"Critana\' is noted for its variable genetic expression.
Certified seed is available and Bridger PMC maintains breeder seed.

\'Schwendimar\' (*E. lanceolatus* spp. *lanceolatus*) was developed by
the Pullman Plant Materials Center and released in 1994. It was
collected on wind blown sands along the Columbia River near The Dalles,
Oregon. It is adapted to northwest sites with 8 inches or greater
precipitation and is recommended primarily for quick stabilization of
coarse textured soils. Certified seed is limited and Pullman PMC
maintains breeder seed.

\'Secar\' (*E. wawawaiensis*) is a cultivar of Snake River wheatgrass
and was originally identified as a variety of bluebunch wheatgrass. The
original collection site is along the Snake River gorge near Lewiston,
Idaho. It was released by the Pullman Plant Materials Center in 1980. It
is adapted to 8 inch plus rainfall zones. It is a bunchgrass with good
seedling vigor and establishes well under drought conditions. See
bluebunch wheatgrass Plant Guide for discussion on management and use.
Certified seed is available and Pullman PMC maintains breeder seed.

\'Sodar\' (*E. lanceolatus* spp. *psammophilus*) was released by the
Aberdeen Plant Materials Center in 1954. It is a variety of streambank
wheatgrass and is a subspecies of thickspike wheatgrass. The original
collection was made in Grant County, Oregon. Its drought tolerance,
excellent seedling vigor, vigorous rhizomatous trait once established,
and ability to compete with weeds characterizes it. It is most commonly
used for stabilization of critical sites. Certified seed is available
and Aberdeen PMC maintains breeder seed.

# References

Alderson, J. & W.C. Sharp 1994. *Grass varieties in the United States*.
Agriculture Handbook No. 170. USDA, SCS, Washington, D.C.

Carlson, J.R. & M.E. Barkworth 1997. *Elymus wawawaiensis: a species
hitherto confused with Pseudoroegneria spicata (Triticeae, Poaceae)*.
Phytologia 83:312-330.

Cronquist, A., A. H. Holmgren, N. H. Holmgren, J. L. Reveal, & P. K.
Holmgren 1977. *Intermountain flora*. Vol. 6. The New York Botanical
Garden. Columbia University Press, New York, New York.

Hitchcock, A. S. 1950. *Manual of the grasses of the United States*.
USDA, Washington, DC.

Powell, A.M. 1994. *Grasses of the Trans-Pecos and adjacent areas*.
University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas.

USDA, Forest Service 1996. *Fire effects information system*. Version:
000413. \<http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/\>. Rocky Mountain Research
Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana.

USDA, NRCS 2000. *The PLANTS database*. Version: 000413.
\<http://plants.usda.gov\>. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana.

# Prepared By & Species Coordinator

## *Daniel G. Ogle*

USDA, NRCS, Idaho State Office, Boise, Idaho

Edited 19sep00 jsp; 10feb03 ahv; 10sep03jsp; 06jun06 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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