Thickspike Wheatgrass: The Unsung Hero of Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
If you’re searching for a tough-as-nails native grass that laughs in the face of drought, meet thickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus lanceolatus). This perennial workhorse might not win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in flashy looks, it more than makes up for in reliability and resilience.
What is Thickspike Wheatgrass?
Thickspike wheatgrass is a native North American perennial grass that’s been quietly holding down the fort across prairies and grasslands for centuries. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this gray-green grass is a rhizomatous spreader that forms dense, erosion-fighting colonies wherever it takes root.
You might encounter this grass under several other names in older gardening references, as it’s had quite the taxonomic journey. Historical names include Agropyron dasystachyum and Elytrigia dasystachya, among others, but today it’s officially recognized as Elymus lanceolatus lanceolatus.
Where Does It Call Home?
This adaptable grass has one of the most impressive native ranges you’ll find, stretching from Alaska down through Canada and across much of the western and midwestern United States. You can find populations thriving in states and provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, Arizona, California, Ontario, Colorado, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Should You Plant Thickspike Wheatgrass?
Here’s the honest truth: if you’re looking for a showstopper for your front yard flower bed, this probably isn’t your grass. But if you need a low-maintenance, drought-busting groundcover for challenging sites, thickspike wheatgrass might just be your new best friend.
The Pros:
- Exceptional drought tolerance once established
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Spreads naturally to fill in bare spots
- High fire tolerance for wildfire-prone areas
- Native plant supporting local ecosystems
The Cons:
- Limited ornamental appeal
- Inconspicuous flowers provide little pollinator value
- Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
- Not suitable for formal landscape designs
Perfect Garden Scenarios
Thickspike wheatgrass shines in specific landscape situations:
- Prairie and native plant gardens: Essential component of authentic grassland restorations
- Xeriscaping projects: Perfect for water-wise landscapes in arid regions
- Erosion-prone areas: Slopes, ditches, and disturbed sites benefit from its soil-holding roots
- Low-maintenance zones: Areas where you want plant coverage without ongoing care
- Wildlife habitat projects: Provides cover and nesting sites for ground-dwelling wildlife
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about thickspike wheatgrass is how easygoing it is about growing conditions. This adaptable grass tolerates a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay, and isn’t picky about soil fertility.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun (shade intolerant)
- Soil: Adaptable to coarse, medium, or fine-textured soils
- pH: 6.6 to 8.4 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Moisture: Low water requirements once established
- Hardiness: Extremely cold hardy (tolerates temperatures down to -38°F)
Planting and Establishment
The easiest way to establish thickspike wheatgrass is from seed, and fortunately, it’s routinely available commercially. With about 153,000 seeds per pound, a little goes a long way!
Planting Tips:
- Plant in spring for best establishment
- No cold stratification required – seeds are ready to go
- Expect moderate growth rate initially
- Once established, spreads rapidly through rhizomes
- Provide minimal water during establishment, then rely on natural precipitation
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Here’s where thickspike wheatgrass really earns its keep – it’s remarkably low-maintenance once established. This 2.3-foot-tall grass has moderate regrowth after cutting and doesn’t require fertilization in most situations.
The grass is active during spring and summer, going dormant in winter when its foliage becomes porous and less conspicuous. Don’t expect fall color drama – this grass keeps things simple with its gray-green palette year-round.
The Bottom Line
Thickspike wheatgrass won’t make your neighbors gasp in admiration, but it will quietly and efficiently do the job you need it to do. If you’re working with challenging sites, water restrictions, or simply want a native grass that won’t demand constant attention, this reliable performer deserves serious consideration.
For restoration projects, prairie gardens, and erosion control, few grasses can match its combination of hardiness, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature. Sometimes the most valuable plants in our landscapes are the ones that simply get the job done – and thickspike wheatgrass does exactly that.
