Description

Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus,
Slender Wheatgrass
(old nomenclature: Agropyron trachycaulum) (Native)

Medium height, 2 – 3 ft. tall, short-lived, cool-season bunchgrass. Adapted to all soil textures but does best on medium to fine textured soils. Has fair to good salt and alkali tolerance. Does well under a wide range of conditions including fairly high altitude sites. Important in erosion control seed mixes because of its quick germination and rapid establishment. Good forage producer, moderate to highly palatable but cannot withstand continuous grazing. Very useful for watershed improvement/erosion control projects. Also important in range and wildlife habitat improvement seedings. Minimum precip. is 10 – 13 inches. Plant fall or spring ½ – ¾ inch deep. 133,000 seeds/lb.

Named Releases: ‘Pryor’ (Cultivar) Released by the Bridger, MT PMC and MT & WY AES in 1988. Germplasm originated in Carbon Co., MT. Superior to other previously released slender wheatgrass in drought-tolerance, saline-tolerance and seedling vigor. Matures earlier and has larger seeds.

‘Revenue’ (Cultivar) Released in 1970 by the Canada Dept. of Ag. Selected from over 750 native and introduced accessions. Origin is from Saskatchewan.

‘Sanluis’ (Cultivar) Released in 1984 by the CO and NM AES and the Meeker PMC. Germplasm origin is from near Center, San Luis Valley Rio Grande Co., CO. Excellent rapid establishment and long-lived plants. Well suited for rapid establishment for soil stabilization on slopes and disturbed sites.

‘Firestrike’ (Select class) Released in 2006 by the Logan, UT ARS and US Army. Multiple-origin composite of four collections from CO and WY. Selected for rapid seedling establishment and rapid germination. Intended uses is for restoration of disturbed lands in the west.

USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide | Fact Sheet