Bluebunch wheatgrass

Formerly Agropyron spicatum. Cool season, drought tolerant, long-lived perennial bunchgrass widely distributed and adapted to most sites including thin, non-productive soils. Extensive root system. Establishes quickly on a wide variety of soil textures, from rocky sites to clays. Intolerant of poor drainage and high water tables. Some tolerance to salinity. Cold hardy. Often a major component of native plant communities within its range. Generally good palatability to livestock and wildlife late into summer and fall. Stressed by overgrazing and repeated early season grazing. Preferred feed for elk, deer and antelope at peak times. Use for arid rangelands, erosion control and native habitat restoration.