Description
Agropyron fragile ssp. sibericum, Siberian Wheatgrass
(old nomenclature: Agropyron sibiricum) (Introduced)
Similar to standard crested wheatgrass, but more drought-tolerant, later maturing and more palatable. Lower seedling vigor than other crested cultivars. Minimum precip. is 5 inches. Plant fall or spring ¼ – ½ inch deep. 206,000 seeds/lb.
Named Releases: ‘P-27’ (Cultivar) Released in 1953 by the NRCS Aberdeen and Pullman PMCS. Best adapted to 8 inches or more precip-zones, very drought-tolerant, adapted to light-sandy draughty soils.
‘Vavilov’ (Cultivar) Released in 1994 by the Utah ARS and AES. Has better seedling vigor than P-27, very drought-tolerant and better adapted to sandy soils than other crested types.
‘Vavilov II’ (PVP Cultivar) Released in 2008 by ARS, US Army and Aberden ID PMC.
Synthetic selection from the original Vavilov cultivar. Selected to withstand heavy livestock use and vehicular traffic such as found on a military base.
USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide | Fact Sheet
