Crested Wheatgrass
ExplorePlants
Crested Wheatgrass
agropyron cristatum
Crested Wheatgrass is a hardy plant that grows in many places, making it a favorite for animals. Its lush green blades are perfect for munching and provide great cover for tiny critters.
Habitat: Crested Wheatgrass thrives in grasslands and open fields.
Appearance
The Crested Wheatgrass is a hardy, bluish-green perennial grass forming dense clumps. It has stiff, upright stems topped with distinctive flattened, comb-like seed heads that appear in late spring, making it easy to identify among other grasses.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusAgropyron
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Did you know Crested Wheatgrass has roots that can grow over 10 feet deep? Wow!
Farmers often plant this grass to feed cattle and other grazing animals.
It was brought to North America from Russia to help stop soil erosion.
Its unique seed head looks like a tiny hair comb or a zipper!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Survivor
Crested Wheatgrass has incredibly deep roots that help it find water far underground, allowing it to survive very dry periods.
Ability
Soil Super-Binder
Crested Wheatgrass can form dense root networks that hold soil firmly in place, helping prevent erosion on sloped land.
Ability
Early Spring Eatery
Crested Wheatgrass is very cold-tolerant and one of the first grasses to sprout green in spring, providing vital early food for animals.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-70 cm
- Spread
- 20-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Bison
Bison bison
An important food source for North American bison.
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Grazes on its leaves and shoots, especially in spring.
shelters
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
Builds nests and finds cover within dense clumps of grass.
shelters
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Often nests among the protective cover of dense grasses.
eats
Differential Grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis
Feeds on the leaves and stems of this common grass.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Also known as
AgropyronCrested WheatWheatgrass
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Crested Wheatgrass?
30-70 cm
How wide does Crested Wheatgrass spread?
20-40 cm
How big are the flowers on Crested Wheatgrass?
0.5-1 cm
When does Crested Wheatgrass bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Crested Wheatgrass edible?
Yes
Is Crested Wheatgrass toxic?
None
What is Crested Wheatgrass's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Crested Wheatgrass pollinated?
Wind
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