Desert Wheatgrass
Agropyron desertorum
- Native to:
- China, Kazakhstan, Krym, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No. 200. Washington, DC. 1950.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Agropyron
- Species:
- Agropyron desertorum
- USDA Symbol:
- AGDE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from crown after fire and can dominate post-burn landscapes, often outcompeting native species.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers arid and semi-arid climates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Germinates readily at cool temperatures (10-15°C). Seeds should be planted shallowly as light aids germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI