Western Wheatgrass

GRASSES

GENUS/SPECIES

Pascopyrum smithii

FAMILY

Poaceae

SYNONYMS

Common: Bluestem, Bluejoint Wheatgrass

DISTRIBUTION

Found in most of the US with the exception of Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana

Human Product Number - 186

Veterinary Product Number - 186

Comments

Western Wheatgrass is often used in grazing pastures and is palatable to wildlife and livestock. While slow to germinate, it is long-lived once established. Stems appear singly or in small clusters and grow from 1 to 3 feet tall. The seed spike is stiff and about 2 to 6 inches. The ligule is inconspicuous, and the blue-green leaves are flat and rough on the upper surface with very prominent veins.