Crested Wheatgrass

Crested Wheatgrass is an introduced, cool season, perennial bunch grass.  It has good seedling vigor and is long-lived; tolerant of drought, cold, and fire;  and develops a deep, extensive root system.   These qualities make it a good choice for reclamation and erosion control in the semi-arid west.  Crested Wheatgrass also competes well against other aggressive introduced grasses but, because of this trait,  it should not be used in mixes with native grasses.  Although protein level drops off sharply as it cures, Crested Wheatgrass is palatable to livestock and also elk, antelope, and deer.  It is adapted to elevations up to 9,000 feet and a wide variety of soil types.