Western Wheat Grass
Western wheatgrass is a perennial and sod-forming grass, native to most parts of the United States except the humid southeast. It is a dominant species in the Central and Northern Great Plains. Plant growth is vigorous, reaching 2 to 3 feet in height. Leaves are up to 12 inches long, 0.25 inch wide, rather stiff and erect. The whole plant is covered with a grayish bloom. It thrives best on rather heavy soil, but is adapted to a wide range of soil types, including alkaline soil. Both as pasturage and when cut for hay while still succulent, it is relished by all classes of livestock.
Natural History
Western wheatgrass is a cool season species that starts growing in May and June when the temperatures reach approximately
54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees centigrade). The species goes dormant in the summer, and will begin growing again in the
fall when temperatures cool. Western wheatgrass is a perennial that reproduces both sexually, with seeds, and asexually,
with underground stems, called rhizomes . Single grass stems arise from the spreading rhizomes.
Limitations
Good stands of western wheatgrass are difficult to establish from seed due to seed dormancy and poor seedling vigor. Seed lots containing a high percentage of dormant seed should be stored for at least one year before using for planting purposes. A dormant (late fall) planting should be made to improve western wheatgrass stands. The cool, moist soil conditions during the winter months help to reduce the seed dormancy and result in higher seed germination the next spring. Plants develop slowly from seed, and because the young seedlings are small and inconspicuous, the new stand often appears a failure.
The seeds of this plant generally mature around September. Although seeds of Western wheatgrass tend to germinate slowly, there is one variety – Agropyron smithii var. molle that germinates better than other varieties.
Uses and Management:
Western wheatgrass is highly palatable early in the growing season. It produce a high volume of forage under optimum growing conditions, which is of good forage value for all classes of domestic livestock. It has fair forage value for pronghorn and other wildlife. Western wheatgrass cures well, making good winter forage. It tolerates heavy grazing, but responds well to proper use - producing twice as much forage where it is grazed moderately.
Varieties or Cultivars:
Barton Western Wheatgrass seed was collected along clay bottomlands in Kansas. It is a strongly rhizomatous leafy type, shows little evidence of rust problems, and is superior in seed production. Its intended use is for pasture and seed production.
