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| ## western wheatgrass {#western-wheatgrass .Title-Header}             |
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| *Pascopyrum smithii* (Rydb.) A. Love                                  |
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| Plant Symbol = PASM                                                   |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Idaho State Office & the National Plant Data
Center

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# Alternate Names

*Agropyron smithii*, *Elytrigia smithii*

# Uses

*Grazing/rangeland/hayland*: Western wheatgrass is palatable to all
classes of livestock and wildlife. It is a preferred feed for cattle,
horses, deer, and elk in spring and is considered a desirable feed for
sheep and antelope in spring. It is considered a desirable feed for
cattle, horses, and elk in summer, fall and winter. In spring, the
protein levels can be fairly high and decreases as it matures and cures
out. This species is generally a relatively low forage producer, but can
be utilized as native hay.

*Erosion control/reclamation*: Western wheatgrass is well adapted to
stabilization of disturbed soils because of its strong spreading
rhizomes. It does not compete well with aggressive introduced grasses
during the establishment period, but is very compatible with slower
developing natives such as bluebunch wheatgrass (*Pseuoroegneria
spicata*), thickspike wheatgrass (*Elymus lanceolatus* ssp.
*lanceolatus*), streambank wheatgrass (*Elymus lanceolatus* ssp.
*psammophilus*), and needlegrass species (*Nasella* spp., *Stipa* spp.,
and *Ptilagrostis* spp.). Stands are generally slow to develop and may
be non-existent the establishment year. However, over 50 percent stands
are typically achieved by the end of the fourth growing season. Poor
germination accounts for the poor initial establishment and strong
rhizome spread accounts for stand development in later years. Its
relative drought tolerance combined with strong rhizomatous root systems
and adaptation to a variety of soils make this species ideal for
reclamation in areas receiving 12 to 20 inches annual precipitation. Its
low growth form, vigorous sod, and low maintenance requirements make it
ideal for ground cover purposes. This grass can be used in urban areas
where irrigation water is limited to provide ground cover and to
stabilize ditchbanks, dikes, and
roadsides.![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.5875in"
height="3.879861111111111in"}

# 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). Western wheatgrass *Pascopyrum
smithii* (Rydb.) A. Love (formerly) is perhaps one of the best known and
most common of our native grasses. It is long-lived with an extensive,
very strong, rhizomatous root systems combined with a few deep roots.

Stems arise singly or in small clusters and grow from 1 to 3 feet tall.
The sheaths are hairy and the purplish auricles are clawlike and clasp
the stem. The seed spike is stiff, erect and about 2 to 6 inches long.
The awn-tipped (to 5mm) lemmas, paleas and glumes are generally glabrous
or short-hairy. The ligule is inconspicuous and leaves are flat, very
rough on the upper surface and margins, blue-green in color, with very
prominent veins. Because of this bluish color, western wheatgrass is
sometimes called bluestem or bluejoint wheatgrass.

# Distribution

It is a cool season perennial grass common to moist, sometimes saline to
saline-sodic, medium to fine textured soils in the Great Plains,
Southwest, and Intermountain regions of the western United States. For
current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS Web site.

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="1.1861111111111111in"
height="2.942361111111111in"}

# Establishment

*Adaptation*: Western wheatgrass is similar to thickspike and streambank
wheatgrasses in appearance. However, it is coarser, its rhizomatous
trait is more aggressive, and its coloration is blue-green rather than
green. It is not as drought tolerant as thickspike or streambank
wheatgrass. In comparison to thickspike and streambank wheatgrasses, it
greens up and heads out later and total biomass production is generally
higher. Thickspike and streambank 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.
Western wheatgrass tolerates saline and saline-sodic soil conditions,
poor drainage, and moderately severe drought. It will tolerate spring
flooding, high watertables, and considerable silt deposition. It is very
cold tolerant, moderately shade tolerant, and tolerant of fire if in the
dormant stage. Recovery from fire however, is slow. It will not tolerate
long periods of inundation.

On native sites western wheatgrass is most abundant in the 10 to 20 inch
annual precipitation zones. Seeded varieties do best with 12 to 20
inches of precipitation. The natural geographic range of western
wheatgrass is from southern Ontario and northern Minnesota, west to
British Columbia, and south to west central California and western Texas
from 1000 to 9000 feet elevation. Western wheatgrass is a component of
many native plant communities and grows in association with blue grama
(*Bouteloua gracilis*), buffalograss (*Buchloe dactyloides*),
needlegrasses (*Stipa* spp.), bluebunch wheatgrass (*Pseudoroegneria
spicata*), rough fescue (*Festuca scabra*), Idaho fescue (*Festuca
idahoensis*), prairie junegrass (*Koeleria cristata*), and basin wildrye
(*Elymus cinereus*).

*Planting*: Seed of western wheatgrass should be seeded with a drill at
a depth of ¾ to ½ inch or less on medium to fine textured soils. Single
species seeding rates recommended for western wheatgrass is 6 to 12
pounds Pure Live Seed (PLS) or 13 to 26 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
18 to 23 pounds PLS or 40 to 50 PLS per square foot. Mulching and light
irrigations are beneficial for stand establishment.

The best seeding results are obtained from seeding in very early spring
on heavy to medium textured soils or in late fall on medium to light
textured soils. Late summer (August - mid September) seedings are not
recommended unless irrigation is available. It can also be established
using sod. Seedling vigor is poor to fair; stands are generally slow to
develop and may be non-existent the establishment year. However, over 50
percent stands are typically achieved by the end of the fourth growing
season. Poor germination accounts for the poor initial establishment and
strong rhizome spread accounts for stand development in later years.

It is moderately compatible with other species and can be used in
seeding mixtures. It should not be seeded with strongly competitive
introduced species. Under favorable conditions it 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 use of pesticides may be required.

# Management

Western wheatgrass "greens up" in March to early April and matures in
mid-July to August. It makes good spring growth, fair summer growth and
good fall growth if moisture is available.

Western wheatgrass is palatable to all classes of livestock and
wildlife. It is a preferred feed for cattle, horses, deer, and elk in
spring and is considered a desirable feed for sheep and antelope in
spring. It is considered a desirable feed for cattle, horses, and elk in
summer, fall, and winter. In spring, the protein levels can be fairly
high and decreases as it matures and cures out. This species is
generally a relatively low forage producer, but can be utilized as
native hay in areas where it is dense. Irrigation will improve western
wheatgrass stands and aid in stand establishment. Weed control and
fertilization help with stand establishment and overall production.

Established stands can withstand heavy grazing. Rotational grazing
systems on western wheatgrass are recommended and 40 to 50 percent of
the annual growth (3 to 4 inch stubble) should remain following grazing.
Stands of western wheatgrass should not be grazed until they have firmly
established. Six inches of new growth should be attained in spring
before grazing is allowed in established stands.

Western wheatgrass is a low maintenance plant requiring little
additional treatment or care. However, on better sites, stands can
become sodbound and may need attention in the form of fertilization and
moderate spring/fall deferment. Stands may also benefit from ripping if
sodbound conditions occur to increase forage production. Care should be
taken to avoid excessive tillage, because stands may be damaged.

Once established, western wheatgrass is very competitive with weedy
species. Its primary pests include grasshoppers, ergot, and stem and
leaf rusts.

*Environmental Concerns*: Western wheatgrass is long-lived, spreads
primarily via vegetative means (rhizomes), but also may also spread via
seed distribution. It is not considered \"weedy\", but can spread into
adjoining vegetative communities under ideal climatic and environmental
conditions.

# Seed Production

Seed production of western wheatgrass has been very successful under
cultivated conditions. Row spacing of 24 to 36 inches are recommended
(although rhizomatous, it should be maintained in rows). Cultivation
will be needed to maintain rows.

Seed fields are productive for three to five years. Average production
of 75 to 150 pounds per acre can be expected under dryland conditions in
14 inch plus rainfall areas. Average production of 150 to 300 pounds per
acre can be expected under irrigated conditions. Harvesting is best
completed by direct combining or swathing in the hard dough stage,
followed by combining of the cured windrows. Stands are prone to lodging
and careful application of irrigation is recommended. Seed is generally
harvested in late July to mid August.

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

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

'Arriba' western wheatgrass was released for dryland hay production,
grazing, and conservation seedings in the western part of the Central
Great Plains and Southwestern United States. It was collected from
native plants growing near Flagler, Colorado. Seed is commercially
available and the USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center, Los Lunas, New
Mexico maintain Breeder and Foundation seed.

'Flintlock' western wheatgrass is a broadbased cultivar derived from
seed collections made in Kansas and Nebraska. It is recommended for
conservation seeding, dryland hay production, and grazing in the Central
Great Plains. Seed is commercially available.

'Barton' western wheatgrass was a native collection from clay
bottomlands in central Kansas. It is a strongly rhizomatous, leafy
accession with intermediate growth between the northern and southern
types. Barton is high in forage and seed production. Commercial seed is
available. Breeder and Foundation seed is maintained at the USDA, NRCS
Plant Materials Center, Manhattan, Kansas.

'Rosana' western wheatgrass is a northern type collected in east-central
Montana near Forsythe. It was selected for seedling vigor and ease of
establishment. Rosana is recommended for reseeding depleted rangelands
and the reclamation of disturbed land in the Northern Great Plains and
Intermountain regions. Rhizomes produce a tight sod. Seed is
commercially available. Breeder and Foundation seed is maintained at the
USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center, Bridger, Montana.

'Rodan' western wheatgrass is a northern type originating from seed
collected on the Missouri River bottom in central North Dakota. It was
selected for drought-tolerance, leafiness, and forage vigor. It is
moderately rhizomatous and forms dense swards. Leaves are thinner and
less heavily veined than other released cultivars. It was developed by
USDA, ARS, Northern Great Plains Research Center, Mandan, North Dakota,
in cooperation with USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, North
Dakota, and the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Seed is
commercially available. Breeder and Foundation seed is maintained at
USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, North Dakota.

'Walsh' western wheatgrass was released by Agriculture Canada,
Lethbridge, Alberta. It was selected for rhizome development, freedom
from disease, and improved forage and seed yields. It is a northern type
originating from seed collected in the Northern Great Plains of southern
Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. Seed is commercially available.

# Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone book under "United States Government." The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading "Department of Agriculture."

# 

# 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 05dec00 jsp;10feb03 ahv; 060802 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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