Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus (Slender wheatgrass)
Formerly Agropyron trachycaulum. Cool season, short-lived, perennial bunchgrass with short rhizomes. Adapted to a wide range of sites and is moderately drought tolerant; saline tolerant. Establishes easily and quickly on sites up to 12,000 ft. elevation. Good palatability to both livestock and wildlife. Useful where quick, native perennial cover is desired. Varieties listed below.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Poaceae
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Graminoid
Native Status: Native
Season: Cool
Growth Form: Bunchgrass
Mature Height: 36 in.
Annual Precipitation: 8-25 in.
Drought Tolerance: High
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Fire Resistance: No
Fire Tolerance: High
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: No
Medium Texture: Yes
Fine Texture: Yes
Salinity Tolerance: Medium
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
pH Range: 5.6-9.0
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound: 135,000
Seeding Rate: 6-10 PLS lbs/acre
Season: Spring/Fall
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS
Copperhead - Superior emergence, survival and biomass production on acid and heavy-metal impacted soils. Excellent for mine reclamation or other contaminated areas such as sediment ponds. (Released 2007)
FirstStrike - Good persistence and seedling vigor in response to drought during the establishment year. Taller than San Luis, shorter than Pryor. Germinates earlier than Pryor. (Released 2006)
Pryor - Consistently rates superior to other varieties in seedling vigor, salt and drought tolerance, forage and seed production and stand longevity. Tolerates periodic flooding and extended drought. Matures 2-3 weeks earlier than other types. (Released 1988)
Revenue - Good for saline soils and short rotations. Establishes easily; saline tolerant. Good forage quality and forage and seed yields. (Released 1970)