Western Wheatgrass

Western wheatgrass is a native, cool-season perennial with coarse blue-green leaves and a strongly rhizomatous, sod-forming habit. It is useful in naturalized grassland and restoration plantings where persistent groundcover and soil binding are desired. [U.S. Forest Service FEIS](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/passmi) ## Habit and appearance The stiff leaf blades have prominent ribs, and flowering stems rise above the foliage. The U.S. Forest Service describes stems 12–36 inches tall; an NRCS profile reports an average height of 12–30 inches. Long rhizomes form a dense sod and allow the grass to spread beyond its original planting area. [USDA NRCS plant materials guide](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/ndpmctn6786.pdf) ## Site and use Western wheatgrass occurs on upland prairie and bottomland, from moist sites to dry conditions. Established stands tolerate extended drought, periodic flooding and saline-alkali soils. It grows well on medium to heavy soils, including clay, but performs poorly in sand. Its persistent rhizomes bind soil and make it useful for erosion control on suitable sites. [U.S. Forest Service FEIS](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/passmi) · [USDA NRCS plant materials guide](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/ndpmctn6786.pdf) ## Maintenance Choose a site with room for a spreading sod. Avoid placing it next to small beds or delicate plants that cannot accommodate rhizomatous growth.