Crested Wheatgrass
Agropyron cristatum · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Erosion Control, Native/Naturalized Prairie
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, extremely cold-tolerant and survives harsh winters well, goes into summer dormancy during extended hot and dry spells.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Triticeae
Variety / Cultivar
'Nordan' or 'Ephraim' (common standard and fairway types)
About This Grass
A very hardy, long-lived perennial bunchgrass with upright stems growing 1 to 3 feet tall. It has narrow, blue-green to bright green leaves and distinctive, flattened, comb-like spike seed heads that resemble little wheat ears.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-to-fine texture, blades 2-6 mm wide, flat or slightly rolled, pointed tips, often somewhat glaucous or blue-green. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a very short membrane, and auricles are small but distinct and clasping.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system going down several feet, allowing rapid establishment in arid soils, excellent drought tolerance, and superior soil stabilization.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the steppes and dry regions of Eurasia and Central Asia; widely introduced to western North America for rangeland restoration.
Growth Habit
Dense bunch-type grass with strong, deep root systems and occasional short rhizomes, forming thick tufts rather than a continuous sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun. Very low water needs once established, exceptionally drought-tolerant and cold-hardy, prefers well-drained loamy to sandy or calcareous soils with a neutral pH.
Mowing & Maintenance
Usually maintained as a pasture or range grass rather than a manicured lawn; if in a low-maintenance turf setting, mow at 2.5 to 3 inches. Very low maintenance overall, little to no fertilizer required.
Special Characteristics
High tolerance for drought, cold, and heavy grazing. Good resistance to common turf diseases, excellent for erosion control on dry, disturbed slopes, and competes strongly against weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, valued heavily for livestock forage, wildlife grazing, and preventing soil erosion on arid rangelands. Can sometimes outcompete native vegetation in semi-arid environments.