Thinopyrum intermedium ssp. barbulatum (Pubescent wheatgrass)
Formerly Agropyron trichophorum. Cool season, robust, drought tolerant, strongly rhizomatous, long-lived, sod-forming perennial grass. Similar to Intermediate wheatgrass (T. intermedium) but slightly more drought tolerant and winter hardy; also, tolerates lower soil fertility, higher alkalinity and higher elevations. Excellent soil builder due to high levels of root production. Good palatability to livestock and wildlife, as well as nesting cover for birds and waterfowl. Use for revegetation, pasture and hay. Grows well with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Varieties listed below.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Poaceae
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Graminoid
Native Status: Introduced
Season: Cool
Growth Form: Rhizomatous
Mature Height: 36 in.
Annual Precipitation: 12-30 in.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Fire Resistance: No
Fire Tolerance: High
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: Yes
Medium Texture: Yes
Fine Texture: Yes
Salinity Tolerance: Medium
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
pH Range: 5.6-8.4
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound: 80,000
Seeding Rate: 9-14 PLS lbs/acre
Season: Fall
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES
Greenleaf - Bright green foliage. Winter hardy with excellent seedling vigor. Some tolerance to saline soils. (Released 1966)
Luna - Dark green foliage. Adapted to warmer, lower elevation sites. Excellent seedling vigor. The most broadly adapted variety available. (Released 1963)
Manska - Improved vigor, resistance to leaf spot, high forage production and nutritional quality. Forage yield similar to Oahe (Intermediate wheatgrass, T. intermedium), but higher nutritive value. (Released 1992)