Slender Wheatgrass

Slender Wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum)

Plant Species
From Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *
By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. Tibke

Slender wheatgrass is a short-lived, native, perennial bunchgrass that is widely distributed. It was the first native grass to be grown under cultivation.

Excellent first-year seedling vigor is the outstanding attribute of this grass. The seed has a high germination rate and excellent emergence characteristics. It can provide a good grass cover on areas that have been disturbed and may be used for seeding low areas that tend to be alkaline.

Description

Slender wheatgrass has a leafy bunch growth habit with dense, fibrous roots extending to a depth of 18 inches. The bunches enlarge by tillering to approximately 1 foot. The seed stalks are 24 to 48 inches tall with an abundance of leaves. A relatively consistent character is the reddish or purple color of the stems near the base. The seed head has a characteristic slender appearance that distinguishes this grass from other wheatgrasses. The seed is larger than crested wheatgrass and is easily seeded with conventional grain drills.

Adaptation

It is adapted to a wide range of soils, but prefers the sandy loams. It persists better than smooth bromegrass or crested wheatgrass on heavy-textured soils, and has been used in mixtures on irrigated land. Slender wheatgrass is surpassed only by tall wheatgrass in tolerating alkali soils. It is less drought-resistant than crested or western wheatgrass.

Limitations

Slender wheatgrass is relatively short-lived. It yields well for the first 3 to 4 years, and then stand density decreases rapidly. Because of this characteristic, it is suggested that it be used in mixtures with other grasses which are more persistent, but are slow to establish. It is not as competitive with weeds as other wheatgrasses, but it is shade tolerant.

It frequently matures late enough to be severely affected by drought. It should not be grown in areas that receive less than 14 inches of precipitation annually. It is limited to soils with good moisture conditions, but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It is best adapted to the northern and eastern portions of the prairies rather than to the dry central parts.

Use for Hay

Good yields of quality hay are obtained from slender wheatgrass stands when cut before it becomes harsh and woody. When used for hay, it should be sown in mixtures with more permanent grasses, which will take over the stand as the slender wheatgrass dies out. It increases in forage yield during the first two to three years after seeding. Its protein content is lower than that of crested wheatgrass and smooth bromegrass during the early part of the season and at maturity, but it is about equal at mid-season.

Use for Pasture

Slender wheatgrass begins its growth relatively early in the spring, and produces an abundance of palatable forage liked by all classes of livestock. The forage cures well and furnishes considerable quantities of nutritious feed for winter grazing. It is not resistant to close grazing, and heavy grazing reduces stands quickly.

* The Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook (EB69) is no longer in print, but is available for viewing in
Montana County Extension Service and National Resource Conservation Service Offices.