Leaves are more narrow than in some other wheats. Kernels may be red or white, hard or soft. This is the source of most of the wheat varieties cultivated in the United States. Over 200 such varieties have been described, with near 100 now cultivated. They may be either spring or winter type and comprise nearly 95 percent of the wheat grown in this country.
Principal use is for flour.
Varieties of this subspecies may be either of winter or of spring type. Stems vary in height but are generally stiff. Spikes are short, usually under 2.5 inches in length, very compact and flattened. Spikelets usually contain 5 flowers and spread at near right angles to the rachis or stem. Spikelets are generally awnless, but sometimes awned.