Crested Wheatgrass
Agropyron cristatum
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Krym, Labrador, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Russia, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Thayne Tuason
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Agropyron
- Species:
- Agropyron cristatum
- USDA Symbol:
- AGCR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from basal crowns after fire; fire can reduce litter and promote seedling establishment.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, nutrient-poor sandy loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify at 1-5°C for 30-60 days.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)