Crested Wheatgrass
Agropyron cristatum · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Triticeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control, and Low-maintenance Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Crested Wheatgrass (likely Fairway or Nordan type based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-7. High cold tolerance; enters summer dormancy during extreme heat/drought and winter dormancy during freezes.
About This Grass
A hardy bunchgrass growing 12-36 inches if unmowed. It features distinct green, flattened, comb-like (pectinate) spikes. Foliage is typically a dull green to blue-green, turning straw-colored during summer dormancy or winter.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-6mm wide (medium to coarse), flat, with pointed tips. They are often slightly pubescent (hairy) on the upper surface. Vernation is rolled in the bud, ligule is short and membranous, and auricles are small and clasping.
Root System
Extremely deep and fibrous root system, often reaching 5-7 feet deep. This provides exceptional drought tolerance and soil stabilization despite lacking rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Russia and Siberia; widely naturalized in the Intermountain West and Great Plains of North America
Growth Habit
Densely tufted bunch-type growth; can form a thick sod over time via close proximity of clumps
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; requires at least 6 hours. High drought tolerance. Grows best in 8-15 inches of annual precipitation. Prefers well-drained loamy to sandy soils; adapts to pH 6.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
For turf, mow at 2.5-4.0 inches. Low maintenance; requires little to no supplemental water once established. Fertilization is minimal (0-1 lb N per 1000 sq ft annually).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought and cold resistance. High wear tolerance for a bunchgrass. Excellent at crowding out weeds like cheatgrass in arid environments. Highly salt-tolerant.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; frequently used for reclaiming disturbed rangelands. Provides early spring forage for livestock and wildlife. Can be competitive/invasive in native prairie ecosystems.