WESTERN WHEATGRASS:  Agropoyron smithii

Western wheatgrass is a cool-season native perennial sod-forming grass.  It has a deep fibrous root system with vigorous rhizomes that effectively protect the soil from wind and water erosion.  It is a major rangeland species in the northern and central Great Plains.  Western wheatgrass is widely adapted to varying soil and climatic conditions.  Where soil is favorable and moisture plentiful, western wheatgrass may be found in nearly pure stands.  On upland sites it is commonly found in association with the grama grasses.

Western wheatgrass starts growth early in the spring and produces a high protein forage relished by all classes of livestock.  Plants at maturity attain a height of two to three feet.  This grass goes dormant during the hot/dry months, but makes further growth in early fall.  Established stands of western wheatgrass can endure long periods of severe drought, tolerate flooding, soil salinity, poor drainage, and withstand heavy grazing pressure.