Description

Thinopyrum intermedium ssp. intermedia, Intermediate Wheatgrass
(old nomenclature: Agropyron intermedium) (Introduced)

Medium height, 3 – 4 ft., long-lived, late-maturing, rhizomatous, sod-forming, cool-season grass. Adapted to a wide range of soils, but does best on deep, well-drained, loamy to fine textured soils. Important pasture and range grass. Heavy forage producer and remains green and palatable into late summer. Cold, drought and fire tolerant. Can be weedy or invasive in some circumstances. Also useful for reclamation, watershed and wildlife habitat improvement. Minimum precip. is 11 – 12 inches. Plant fall or spring

¼ – ½ inch deep. 85,000 seeds/lb.

Named Releases: ‘Chief’ (Cultivar) Released in 1961 from the Canada Research Station in Saskatoon. Seed originated in Russia and was selected for high seed yield and good forage quality.

‘Greenar’ (Cultivar) Released in 1945 by the ID, OR,WA AES and PMC. Developed from a Russian ecotype, selected for vigor, moderate sod-formation, leafiness, late maturing, and high forage yield.

‘Oahe’ (Cultivar) Released in 1961 by the SD AES from a Russian accession. Selected for its uniformly bluish-green color, drought-tolerance, vigor, rhizomatous traits, and high seed yield.

‘Reliant’ (Cultivar) Released from the ARS in ND and PMC in Bismark, ND. Selected for resistance to leaf spot, vigor, forage, seed production, and winter survival. Good persistence and productivity is superior to other Intermediates.

‘Rush’ (Cultivar) Released in 1994 from the Idaho AES and PMC in Aberdeen, ID. Origin is from Germany and was selected for superior seedling emergence and vigor, good spring recovery, good rhizome traits, wide leaves, high forage and seed production.

‘Tegmar’ (Cultivar) Released in 1968 from the ID, WA AES and Aberdeen and Pullman PMC. Origin of accession is from Turkey. Selected for long life, late maturing, vigorous seedlings, rapid development of rhizomes, drought-tolerance, and dwarf growth form. It is usually about half the height of other Intermediate varieties.

USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide | Fact Sheet