Kernels are small, flattened, have a very shallow, narrow crease, and a short brush. About 5 varieties were grown on nearly 2,000,000 acres in 1959 - mostly in the Pacific Northwest. Principal use is flour manufacture. Durum wheat , Triticum durum Desf. Varieties of this species grown in the United States are all spring wheats.
Stems generally are pithy internallv and leaves are relatively broad.
Spikes are intermediate in length and flattened. Awns are nearly always present and are long and coarse white, yellow or black in color. Kernels are white or red, usually long and pointed, very hard and translucent with angular sides and a short brush. Durum wheat is used mainly for the manufacture of semolina which is made into macaroni, spaghetti and related products. About 8 varieties are grown on more than 2 million acres in this country - mainly in North Dakota and neighboring states.