Formerly Agropyron spicatum. Cool season, drought tolerant, long-lived perennial bunchgrass widely distributed and adapted to most sites including thin, non-productive soils. Extensive root system. Establishes quickly on a wide variety of soil textures, from rocky sites to clays. Intolerant of poor drainage and high water tables. Some tolerance to salinity. Cold hardy. Often a major component of native plant communities within its range. Generally good palatability to livestock and wildlife late into summer and fall. Stressed by overgrazing and repeated early season grazing. Preferred feed for elk, deer and antelope at peak times. Use for arid rangelands, erosion control and native habitat restoration. Varieties listed below.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Poaceae

Duration: Perennial, long-lived

Growth Habit: Graminoid

Native Status: Native

Season: Cool

Growth Form: Bunchgrass

Mature Height: 36 in.

Annual Precipitation: 8-35 in.

Drought Tolerance: High

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation:

Wetland Indicator Status: 

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: Low

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: Yes

Salinity Tolerance: Low

CaCO3 Tolerance: High

pH Range: 6.6-8.4

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 125,600

Seeding Rate: 7-14 PLS lbs/acre

Season: Spring/Fall

Days to Germination: