Western Wheatgrass

Western Wheatgrass is a native, cool-season, perennial sod-forming grass.  Because of its spreading rhizomes it is an excellent erosion control plant.  It tolerates saline and alkaline soils and prefers soil textures from fine to very fine.  It will tolerate spring flooding, is very cold tolerant, and can grow in partial shade.  Western Wheatgrass is adapted to altitudes of from 1,000 to 9,000 feet.  Western Wheatgrass may take several years to become established but, once it does, is very hardy, long-lived, and somewhat aggressive.  Dense stands produce excellent hay as well as pasture.   Although it is least desirable in late summer, Western Wheatgrass is palatable to cattle and elk all year.