Bluebunch Wheatgrass: A Hardy Native Grass for Sustainable Landscapes
If you’re looking to create a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape that supports local wildlife, bluebunch wheatgrass might just be your new best friend. This remarkable native perennial grass has been quietly holding down the fort across western North America for millennia, and it’s ready to do the same in your garden.
What is Bluebunch Wheatgrass?
Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata spicata) is a perennial bunch grass that’s as tough as it is beautiful. You might also see it listed under several scientific synonyms in older references, including Agropyron spicatum or Elymus spicatus, but don’t let the name changes confuse you – it’s the same reliable plant.
This hardy grass forms distinctive clumps or bunches (hence the name) and can reach up to 3 feet tall when mature. Its blue-green to gray-green foliage provides lovely texture and movement in the landscape, swaying gracefully with even the slightest breeze.
Where Does Bluebunch Wheatgrass Belong?
As a native species, bluebunch wheatgrass has an impressive natural range spanning from Alaska down through western Canada and across much of the western United States. You’ll find it naturally occurring in states including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and even parts of Michigan. It also thrives in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory.
This extensive native range means bluebunch wheatgrass is adapted to USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, making it suitable for a wide variety of climates and growing conditions.
Why Choose Bluebunch Wheatgrass for Your Landscape?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this native grass for your garden:
- Exceptional drought tolerance: Once established, this grass thrives with minimal water, making it perfect for xeriscapes and water-wise gardening
- Low maintenance: Requires little to no fertilizer and minimal care once established
- Rapid growth: Gets established relatively quickly compared to some native grasses
- Erosion control: The deep root system (minimum 10 inches) helps stabilize soil on slopes
- Wildlife habitat: Provides cover and nesting sites for various wildlife species
- Long lifespan: This perennial grass will be with you for years to come
Perfect Garden Settings
Bluebunch wheatgrass shines in several landscape applications:
- Native plant gardens and naturalistic landscapes
- Xeriscapes and drought-tolerant plantings
- Restoration projects and habitat creation
- Slope stabilization and erosion control
- Prairie-style gardens and meadow plantings
- Buffer zones around natural areas
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about bluebunch wheatgrass is how adaptable it is to different soil types and conditions:
Soil: Thrives in coarse, medium, or fine-textured soils with a pH range of 6.6 to 8.4. It’s quite tolerant of alkaline conditions and has high tolerance for calcium carbonate in soils.
Sun requirements: Needs full sun – it’s intolerant of shade, so don’t try to tuck it under trees or in shadowy corners.
Water needs: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring only 8-35 inches of annual precipitation. Perfect for areas where water conservation is a priority.
Temperature tolerance: Remarkably cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -38°F, while also adapting well to hot, dry conditions.
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting bluebunch wheatgrass started in your garden is straightforward:
- Propagation: Grow from seed – it’s the most reliable method and seeds are routinely available commercially
- Seeding rate: With about 125,680 seeds per pound, a little goes a long way
- Timing: Plant in early spring or fall when soil moisture is more reliable
- Establishment: Be patient – while it has medium seedling vigor, it may take a full season to become well-established
- Spacing: Allow adequate room between plantings as mature clumps can spread, though vegetative spread is minimal
Seasonal Interest and Maintenance
Bluebunch wheatgrass offers subtle but charming seasonal appeal:
- Active growth: Spring through fall, with peak growth during cooler months
- Flowering: Produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers in early summer
- Seed production: Seeds ripen in summer, providing food for birds and small mammals
- Winter appearance: Foliage becomes porous and provides textural interest even in dormancy
Maintenance is minimal – this grass doesn’t require regular watering once established, needs no fertilization, and has moderate regrowth after cutting or grazing.
A Few Considerations
While bluebunch wheatgrass is an excellent choice for many landscapes, keep these factors in mind:
- It has low fire tolerance, so consider this if you’re in a fire-prone area
- Seeds don’t persist long-term, so natural reseeding may be limited
- It doesn’t tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions
- Not suitable for high-traffic areas as it doesn’t tolerate foot traffic well
The Bottom Line
Bluebunch wheatgrass is a stellar choice for gardeners looking to create sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes that support local ecosystems. Its impressive drought tolerance, adaptability to various soil types, and value to wildlife make it an excellent foundation plant for native gardens across much of western North America. While it may not have the flashy flowers of some garden favorites, its quiet beauty and ecological benefits make it a true garden hero that’s definitely worth considering for your next planting project.
