Sometimes called bluestem wheatgrass because of its bluish-colored stems and leaves. Common on prairies, but also found in waste areas and on ditchbanks and roadsides. Grows best in low areas of fine-textured alkaline soils where runoff water accumulates. Western wheatgrass is sod-forming, reproducing from rhizomes and seeds.
Western wheatgrass is nutritious for livestock and is readily eaten during the early growth stage.
This grass makes good quality high protein hay when cut during the late-bloom stage.