Widely distributed, slender wheatgrass has numerous ecotypes that occur in widely differing climates. Slender wheatgrass grows in dry to moist, medium-textured soil. It tolerates silt and clay but does best on sandy loam. This species has a high salt tolerance. Obligate Initial Community Species Slender wheatgrass is a pioneer in primary and secondary succession.
Populations decrease in all three community types at later stages.
Development varies depending upon latitude, elevation, and time of snowmelt.