Bearded Wheatgrass

Elymus caninus

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Elymus
Species:
Elymus caninus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug

Native Range

United States: Oregon, Washington

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Faronta diffusa

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates moderate drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers shaded or semi-shaded areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds placed in 0-1°C (32-34°F) for a 10-day cold stratification treatment and then exposed to 22-25°C (72-77°F).

Establishment: Wildland collection occurs mid to late August when caryopsis are tannish-brown, at the hard dough stage, and not yet shattering from the erect spike. One collection hour/person yielded 164 grams (5.8 oz) clean seed (varies by year, stand density, and collector experience).

Source: npn.rngr.net