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| ## desert wheatgrass {#desert-wheatgrass .Title-Header}               |
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| *Agropyron desertorum* (Fisch. ex Link) J.A. Schultes                 |
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| Plant Symbol = AGDE2                                                  |
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## *Contributed By: USDA, NRCS, Idaho State Office*

# Alternate Names![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.0923611111111111in" height="4.748611111111111in"}

standard crested wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass

# Uses

Fairway or crested wheatgrass, *Agropyron cristatum* (L.) Gaertn;
standard, standard crested, or desert wheatgrass, *Agropyron desertorum*
(Fisch. ex Link) J.A. Schultes; and Siberian wheatgrass, *Agropyron
fragile* (Roth) Candargy are perennial introduced grasses commonly
seeded in the arid sections of the western United States. They are
long-lived, cool season, drought tolerant, and winter hardy grasses with
extensive root systems.

*Grazing/rangeland/hayland*: Crested wheatgrass is commonly recommended
for forage production. It is palatable to all classes of livestock and
wildlife. It is a preferred feed for cattle, sheep, horses, and elk in
spring and also in the fall if green-up occurs. It is considered a
desirable feed for deer and antelope in spring and fall, if "green-up"
occurs. It is not considered a desirable feed for cattle, sheep, horses,
deer, antelope, and elk in summer. In spring, the protein levels can be
as high as 18 percent and decreases to about 4 percent as it matures.
Digestible carbohydrates remain high throughout the active growth
period. It is commonly utilized for winter forage by cattle and horses,
but protein supplements are required to ensure good animal health. It is
noted for its ability to withstand

very heavy grazing pressure (65-70 percent utilization) once stands are
established. Crested wheatgrasses are good forage producers in the areas
where best adapted. Crested wheatgrasses are generally not recommended
above 12-14 inches of precipitation because better forage species
alternatives are available. Crested wheatgrass stands generally produce
from 1.5 to 2 times more than the native stands, generally in the
bluebunch wheatgrass (*Pseudoroegneria spicata*) ecosystems, they
replace. The best forage types, in order, are Siberian, standard, and
fairway.

*Erosion control/reclamation*: Crested wheatgrasses are well adapted to
stabilization of disturbed soils. They compete well with other
aggressive introduced plants during the establishment period. Crested
wheatgrass is not compatible in mixes with native species because it is
very competitive and will out-compete slower developing native species.
Their drought tolerance, fibrous root systems, and good seedling vigor
make these species ideal for reclamation in areas receiving 8 to 16
inches annual precipitation. In areas above 14 inches annual
precipitation, 'Roadcrest' and 'Ephraim' may exhibit their rhizomatous
traits and make excellent low maintenance lawns when broadcast seeded to
establish thick lawns. These grasses can be used in urban areas where
irrigation water is limited to provide ground cover, weed control, and
to stabilize ditch banks, dikes, pipelines, power lines, and roadsides.

*Wildlife*: Birds and small rodents eat crested wheatgrass seeds. Deer,
antelope, and elk graze it, especially in spring and fall. Upland and
songbirds utilize stands for nesting. Historically, this species has
been planted in monocultures, which decreases biodiversity. Consider
diverse species mixes for wildlife when planting this species.

# Status

This species is introduced from Asia. 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*: Desert wheatgrass is introduced from Asia. Within the crested
wheatgrasses, three species are recognized: Fairway or crested
wheatgrass (*Agropyron cristatum),* standard or desert wheatgrass
(*Agropyron desertorum),* and Siberian wheatgrass (*Agropyron fragile*).
Fairway has short-broad spikes that taper at the top, smaller seeds,
grows shorter, and has finer leaves and stems than standard wheatgrass.
Standard has longer spikes than fairway, but vary in spike shape from
comb-like to oblong. Fairway and standard grow from 1 to 3 feet tall
with seed spikes 1.5 to 3 inches long. Spikelets flattened, closely
overlapping, oriented at a slight angle on the rachis. The lemmas are
linear-lanceolate narrowing to a short awn. Glumes are awl shaped and
firm, and keeled. Culms are erect. Leaves are flat, smooth below,
slightly scabrous (coarse) above and vary in width from 2 to 6 mm.
Siberian is very similar to fairway and standard, but has finer leaves
and stems, narrower and awnless glumes and lemmas, and the spikelets are
more ascending, giving the spike a narrow, oblong, sub-cylindrical
shape. Siberian is more drought tolerant and retains its greenness and
palatability later into the summer than either standard or fairway
types.

# Distribution

This species is introduced into the U.S. For current distribution,
please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web
site.

# Establishment

*Adaptation*: Crested wheatgrasses are adapted for non-irrigated
seedings where annual precipitation averages 8-16 inches or more
(fairway should average 10 inches or more) and where the frost-free
period is generally less than 140 days. Standard and hybrid crosses are
superior above 8 inches annual precipitation in spring recovery and
grazing readiness. On droughty sites with 7-10 inches annual
precipitation, Siberian wheatgrass may be the best choice, it is known
to surpass Standard and hybrid crosses in rate of establishment, stand
persistence, and total forage yield on the more arid sites. Siberian has
been seeded in areas with as little as 5 inches of precipitation with
some success.

Crested wheatgrass should generally be seeded below 7,000 feet
elevation. Fairway does well up to 9,000 feet elevation. Crested
wheatgrass does well on shallow to deep, moderately coarse to fine
textured, moderately well to well drained soils. Under saline
conditions, vigor and production are reduced. Fairway is not well
adapted to silty soils. Siberian is well adapted to light-sandy,
droughty soils. All crested wheatgrasses are cold tolerant and can
withstand moderate periodic flooding, not exceeding 7-10 days in the
spring. They are very tolerant of fire. They will not tolerate long
periods of inundation-standing water, poorly drained soils, or excessive
irrigation.

*Planting*: Crested wheatgrass 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
all crested wheatgrasses are 5-7 pounds Pure Live Seed (PLS) per acre or
20 to 30 PLS per square foot. Single species seeding rates recommended
for Siberian wheatgrass is 6-8 pounds PLS per acre or 24-30 PLS per
square foot. If used as a component of a mix, with alfalfa (*Medicago*
spp.), sainfoin (*Onobrychis viciifolia*), yellow sweetclover
(*Melilotus officinalis*), cicer milkvetch (*Astragalus cicer*), or
others adjust to percent of mix desired. For mined lands and other harsh
critical areas, the seeding rate should be increased to 10-12 pounds PLS
per acre or 40 to 50 PLS per square foot. Mulching and light irrigation
on highly disturbed, droughty areas are beneficial for stand
establishment.

The best seeding results are obtained from seeding in very early spring
on heavy to medium textured soils and as dormant seeding in late fall on
medium to light textured soils. Late summer (August - mid September)
seedings are not recommended unless irrigation is available.

Crested and Siberian wheatgrasses establish quickly, with 'Hycrest' and
'Vavilov' noted for their seedling vigor. They should not be seeded with
native species, unless seeding rates are very low (\< 2 pounds per
acre). They may compliment native stands that are already partially
established. Under favorable conditions, they are good weed barriers.

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 stages. Mow when weeds are beginning to bloom to reduce
weed seed development. Grasshoppers and other insects may also damage
new stands and use of pesticides may be required.

# Management

Crested wheatgrass "greens-up" in the spring about 10 days after
bluegrass species and about 2 weeks earlier than native wheatgrasses.
They make good spring growth, little summer growth, and good fall
growth, if moisture is available.

Crested wheatgrasses have good palatability for livestock and some
wildlife. Livestock and wildlife will graze crested wheatgrass
throughout the spring growing season until it becomes too coarse, and
again in fall if regrowth occurs. Established stands can withstand very
heavy grazing.

New stands of crested wheatgrass should not be grazed until they are
firmly established and have started to produce seed heads. Six inches of
new growth should be attained in spring before grazing is allowed in
established stands. Three inches of stubble should remain at the end of
the grazing season to maintain the long-term health of the plant. In
addition, leaving three inches or more stubble will result in a 10 - 14
day earlier growth period or "green-up" in spring.

Crested wheatgrasses are low maintenance plants requiring little
additional treatment or care. However, spring/fall deferment or grazing
rotations is recommended to maintain plant health and to maximize forage
production potential.

Crested wheatgrass is competitive with weedy species, but can be crowded
out by some aggressive introduced weedy species and native woody
species.

Crested wheatgrass can be used for hay production and will make
nutritious feed, but is more suited to pasture use. Light infrequent
applications of nitrogen (25 pounds/acre) and light irrigation will
increase total biomass production and lengthen the growing period.
Re-growth of crested wheatgrasses is slow.

*Environmental Concerns*: Crested wheatgrasses are introduced,
long-lived, and spread primarily via seed. Spread of rhizomatous
varieties is very slow in the case of the 'Roadcrest' and 'Ephraim'.
They are not considered \"weedy\" or invasive species. Most seedings do
not spread beyond original plantings. They will cross with each other,
but do not cross with native species.

Crested wheatgrasses resist cheatgrass competition better than most
native species, because it germinates earlier and grows more rapidly at
colder temperatures. This has an important competitive advantage when
dealing with winter annual species, such as cheatgrass.

Full, properly managed stands of crested wheatgrass generally withstand
encroachment by native grasses and forbs. When inter-seeded into native
stands, crested wheatgrass commonly co-exists with native grasses,
forbs, and shrubs. Some native shrubs, such as big sagebrush (*Artemisia
tridentata*) and rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus* spp. and *Ericameria*
spp.), often invade crested wheatgrass stands, especially if native seed
sources are nearby.

Due to commonly being planted in monoculture (single species) stands in
the past, some feel-crested wheatgrasses are not ecologically
appropriate and contribute to a lack of biodiversity. If planting this
species, it is important to consider a diverse species mix to benefit
many species.

# Seed production

Seed production of crested wheatgrasses has been very successful under
cultivated conditions. Row spacing of 24 to 30 inches when irrigated and
36 inches or greater under dryland conditions are recommended. Early
spring or late fall seedings are recommended under dryland conditions.
Early spring seedings are recommended under irrigated conditions. When
irrigated, spring seedings consistently yield more seed during the first
year of seed production. To obtain maximum seed production, fall
plantings are not recommended.

Control weeds during stand establishment and long term management of
stand by clipping, hand rouging or light rates of herbicide (2,4-D or
Bromoxynil according to label) after the five-leaf stage. Fertilizer is
generally not recommended during establishment. If soil nitrogen and
phosphorus are low, an application of 10-15 pounds per acre nitrogen and
20-30 pounds per acre phosphorus may be applied prior to planting.
Fertilize for full seed production following the establishment year in
early fall or use a split application in early fall and again in early
spring. Very early spring application of nitrogen may be beneficial on
sandy soils to promote vegetative growth. When irrigated, apply adequate
moisture for germination, establishment and to bring soils to field
capacity. Following stand establishment, fertilize and irrigate soon
after seed harvest in fall to stimulate seed head primordia development.
Do not stress plants during re-growth and tillering in the fall, late
boot stage, and during pollination. Avoid irrigating during flowering.

Seed fields are productive for four to five years. Average production of
200 to 300 pounds per acre can be expected under dryland conditions in
14 inch plus rainfall areas. Average production of 500 to 600 pounds per
acre can be expected under irrigated conditions. The seed heads do not
readily shatter, but some shatter can be expected. Harvesting is best
completed by direct combining when the top of the seed head begins to
shatter or wind-rowing at hard dough stage and combining with pickup
attachment in about 5 to 7 days. Seed is generally harvested in mid July
to mid August.

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

Please check the Vendor Database, expected to be on-line through the
PLANTS Web site in 2001 by clicking on Plant Materials. Foundation and
registered seed is available through the appropriate state Crop
Improvement Association or commercial sources to grow certified seed.

*Agropyron desertorum* is more drought tolerant than fairway. It is not
as drought tolerant as Siberian wheatgrass. Standard crested wheatgrass
is adapted to the northwest, intermountain, and Great Plains regions
with at least 8 inches ('Douglas' requires 13-14 inches) of annual
precipitation below 6500 feet elevation. It does well on shallow to
deep, moderately coarse to fine textured, moderately well to well
drained and weakly acidic to moderately alkaline soils. Under saline
conditions, vigor and production are reduced. Standard crested
wheatgrass is considered slightly more saline tolerant and more
productive than Fairway.

ARS at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, North
Dakota, developed 'Nordan'. ARS and ND Agricultural Experiment Station
released Nordan in 1953. It is uniform, erect, with heavy seeds that are
awnless. The seed heads are dense and compressed. It has good seedling
vigor and seed quality and long-term forage yields are equal to the
newer varieties. It is very palatable in spring and fall, but less so in
summer. Certified seed is available. ARS at the Great Plains Research
Laboratory maintains breeder and foundation seed.

\'Summit\' was introduced from Western Siberian Experiment Station,
Omsk, former USSR. Canada Department of Agriculture released it in 1953.
It is considered very similar to \'Nordan\'. Certified seed is
available. The Canada Department of Agriculture, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, maintains breeder and foundation seed.

*Agropyron cristatum* × *Agropyron desertorum* is a hybrid cross of the
Fairway and Standard types, which results in a plant with excellent
seedling vigor. These are considered Standard type crested wheatgrasses.

ARS in Logan, Utah released 'CD-II' in 1996. CD-II is a selection of
'Hycrest' and was released to ensure the genetic purity of the cross. It
has increased growth characteristics under cold temperatures.
Characteristics and performance are the same as Hycrest. Certified seed
is available. ARS Logan, Utah maintains breeder and foundation seed.

ARS in Logan, Utah developed 'Hycrest' by crossing Fairway and Standard
type crested wheatgrasses. ARS, NRCS, and Utah Agricultural Experiment
Station released it in 1984. It is easier to establish than either of
its parents and is more productive during the establishment period than
either parent. Long-term productivity exceeds the Fairway type and it is
equal to the Standard type. The leaves and stems are coarser and it has
more stems than the Fairway type. Good stands have been established in
the 8 inch or greater precipitation zones. It is best adapted to 5,000
to 9,000 feet elevation zones, but good stands are common to 2,500 feet.
It does well on shallow to deep, coarse to fine textured, moderately
well to well drained soils. Under slightly saline conditions, vigor and
production are reduced. It is not adapted to excessively saline areas.
Certified seed is available. ARS, Logan, Utah, maintains breeder and
foundation seed.

# References

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

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.

Harrison, R.D., N.J. Chatterton, R.J. Page, M. Curto, K.H. Asay, K.B.
Jensen, & W.H. Horton 1996. *Competition, biodiversity, invasion, and
wildlife use of selected introduced grasses in the Columbia and Great
Basins*. Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Report 155, Utah
State University, Logan, Utah. Version: 000418.
\<http://agx.usu.edu/agx/ResearchReports/USDAREPORT/toc.html\>.

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

Tsvelev, N.N. 1983. *Grasses of the Soviet Union. Part I*. Oxonian Press
Pvt. Ltd., New Dehli.

USDA, Forest Service 1996. *Fire effects information system*. Version:
000418. \<http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/\>. Rocky Mountain Research
Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Montana.

USDA, NRCS 2000. *The PLANTS database*. Version: 000418.
\<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: 02apr02 jsp; 25feb03 ahv; 25may06jsp

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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