Western Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Pascopyrum smithii
Plant type:
Grass
Lifecycle:
Perennial
Growing season:
Cool
Cover:
High
Seedling rate:
5-15
Soil
Acceptable soil conditions:
Clay,
Loam,
Silt,
Sand,
Gravel
Soil Conditions:
Acidic
Alkaline
CaCO3 tolerant
Salt
Location
Min elevation:
1000
Max elevation:
9000
Counties:
Churchill,
Clark,
Elko,
Eureka,
Humboldt,
Lincoln,
Mineral,
Nye,
Washoe
Reproduction & Growth
Growth rate:
Moderate
Germination overall:
Low
Germination rate:
Slow
Reproduction:
Moderate
Lifespan:
Long
Survival:
High
Ecological
Best suited for these site conditions:
Cold
Disturbance
Fire
Flooding
Low light
Riparian
Best suited for these management goals:
Drought resilience
Erosion control
Forage production
Weed management
Wildlife habitat
Additional Information
Warning:
Commercial availability:
Commonly available
Notes:
Slow to establish. Takes 4-5 growing seasons to establish and spread. Good forage food for grazers.
Citations:
Aldon & Pase 1981, Jefferson et al. 2002, Aschenbach 2006, Waldron et al. 2006, Simmers & Galatowitsch 2010, Ogle et al. 2009, USDA 2025.