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| ## streambank wheatgrass {#streambank-wheatgrass .Title-Header}       |
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| *Elymus lanceolatus* (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould                       |
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| Plant Symbol = ELLA3                                                  |
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## *Contributed By: USDA, NRCS, Idaho State Office & the National Plant Data Center*

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.9159722222222224in"
height="4.166666666666667in"}

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

# Alternate Names

Two subspecies are recognized for this species: Both are known by the
common name, streambank wheatgrass *Elymus lanceolatus* ssp.
*psammophilus* Gillett & Senn (formerly *Agropyron riparium*) though
*Elymus lanceolatus* ssp. *lanceolatus* (Scribn & J.G. Sm.) Gould
(formerly *Agropyron dasystachyum*) sometimes goes by thickspike
wheatgrass. 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*: Streambank wheatgrass is not recommended
for forage production. Streambank 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.
Streambank wheatgrass can be used for hay production and will make
nutritious feed, but is more suited to pasture use.

*Erosion control/reclamation*: Streambank wheatgrass (*E. lanceolatus*
ssp. *lanceolatus*) and (*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. *E. lanceolatus* ssp. *lanceolatus* 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 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. Subspecies *psammophilus* 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 and Snake River 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 *E. lanceolatus* ssp. *lanceolatus* 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. Subspecies *lanceolatus* 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.
Streambank and Snake River wheatgrass have good palatability for
livestock and wildlife. Livestock and wildlife will graze streambank 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 wheatgrass is 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, 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 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.

\'Bannock\' (*E. lanceolatus* ssp. *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* ssp. *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* ssp. *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* ssp. *psammophilus*) was released by the
Aberdeen Plant Materials Center in 1954. 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 breeder
seed is maintained by Aberdeen PMC.

# 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: 28mar02 jsp; 25feb03 ahv; 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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