crested wheatgrass
(Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.)

Overview

Appearance

Agropyron cristatum is a cool season perennial bunchgrass that grows from 1-3 ft (0.3-0.9 m) tall. It is native to Africa, temperate Asia, and parts of Europe. It was introduced to North and South America as a forage crop.

Foliage

The culms are erect with flat leaves which are about 0.08-0.24 in (2-6 mm) wide. The leaves are smooth below and slightly scabrous above.

Flowers

The spikelets are widely spreading with contoured glumes. They gradually taper into awns 0.08-0.2 in (2-5 mm) long.

Fruit

Seed heads are flattened vertically, with compact overlapping spikelets. Each seed has a short awn.

Ecological Threat

A. cristatum is cold and drought tolerant with a deep fibrous root system which allows it to compete successfully with both native plants and weeds. It has been planted as forage on 10-26 million acres in North America.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

No reference that we have lists this species as invasive in North America. This species is included for comparison to other species that are considered invasive.

References