SafePlants

Crested Wheatgrass: A Versatile Forage Grass

Crested wheatgrass, scientifically known as Agropyron cristatum, is a perennial grass widely used for grazing, hay production, and erosion control. It's recognized by several common names, including crested wheat grass and fairway crested wheatgrass.

Considered an introduced species in many regions, it has a history of extensive planting, particularly in the Great Basin and other areas of the western United States.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is commonly used for grazing and forage production for livestock.
• Crested wheatgrass resists trampling, which means that seeds can be easily spread by livestock and pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Synonyms: The text also mentions A. desertorum syn. A. sibiricum as related to crested wheatgrass.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Russia and Eurasia, it has been introduced to the Great Plains, Intermountain regions, and the western United States.
• It thrives in harsh conditions and is adapted to elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in Utah.
• It's commonly found in the Interior Plateau region of British Columbia.

Ecological Role

• While initially introduced to improve degraded pastures and provide livestock feed, crested wheatgrass is also described as having the ability to invade native prairie, raising environmental concerns about its impact on soil quality and native plant communities.
• It can form stable, dominant stands, which may reduce plant diversity.

Morphological Characteristics

• Crested wheatgrass is described as a hardy, perennial bunchgrass with fibrous roots.
• It is drought tolerant and has an extensive root system.

Quirky Facts

• Varieties of crested wheatgrass were introduced from Russia in the 1930s.
• Hansen brought crested wheat grass to South Dakota from Siberia.

Uses

• Primarily used for grazing and forage production for livestock.
• Also used for erosion control.
• Some varieties are specifically suited for hay and pasture.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions studies investigating the establishment of Wyoming big sagebrush in crested wheatgrass stands.
• It is known to compete successfully with other plants.

Further Information

• University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet 96-53 "Crested Wheatgrass"
• Fluxnet Site Code: US-Ru3 (Crested Wheatgrass Site)
• Kirk, 21