Germplasm Reported from the Mediterranean Center of Diversity, tall wheatgrass or cvs thereof is reported to tolerate alkali, drought, frost, high pH, insects, sodium or salt, rust, virus, and waterlog. Distribution Native to eastern Mediterranean region, from southern Europe to Asia Minor and Crimea, where it occurs in saline meadows and along seashores. Introduced in United States in Great Plains and Inter-mountain Plateau areas north into Canada, and in arid regions of South Australia. Thrives in areas subject to inundation to saline water, as seashores, saline meadows and on alkaline soils. Cultivation Propagation by seed, usually sown in pure stand.
Seed production is good except at high altitudes, as it requires a long ripening season.
Makes good spring and fall growth and remains green well into the summer. Harvesting Tall wheatgrass makes fair hay and can be used successfully for silage. Because of its late maturity, it provides a long grazing period when used for pasture, but it is not so palatable as most other wheatgrasses. Yields and Economics Yields are exceptionally high where moisture conditions are favorable. Tall wheatgrass is used extensively for seeding alkaline sites in the northern Plains and Intermountain regions of United States, Canada and in some areas of northern Europe and Central Asia.