Thinopyrum intermedium (Intermediate wheatgrass)

Formerly Agropyron intermedium. Cool season, perennial, robust, moderately drought tolerant sod-former, 2-4 ft. tall. Adapted to a wide variety of sites but does best on medium to fine textured soils. 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 conservation, pasture and hay. Grows well with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Varieties listed below.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

Thinopyrum intermedium (Intermediate wheatgrass) map.png

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Poaceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Graminoid

Native Status: Introduced

Season: Cool

Growth Form: Rhizomatous

Mature Height: 24-48 in.

Annual Precipitation: 12-30 in.

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation:

Wetland Indicator Status:

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: 10-15 PLS lbs/acre

Season:

Days to Germination:


VARIETIES

Manifest - Improved tillering compared to Oahe, making it better for grazing. Superior longevity to other varieties. High forage yield and increased persistence under grazed conditions. Recommended for hayland and pastures in grass or grass-legume mixtures. (Released 2007)

Oahe - High seed and forage producer and good resistance to rust. Bluegreen type with vigorous sod-forming capability. (Released 1945)

Rush - Good seedling emergence and vigor. Achieves greater stand density and height quicker than previous releases. Equal or higher forage production to Oahe. (Released 1994)