Wheatgrass: The Hardy Native Grass That’s Both Friend and Foe
If you’ve ever wondered about that tough, resilient grass you see growing wild across the American West, you’ve likely encountered Pascopyrum, commonly known as wheatgrass. This native perennial grass is a bit like that friend who’s incredibly reliable but sometimes overstays their welcome – it’s fantastic for certain situations, but you’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you invite it into your garden.
What Exactly Is Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is a cool-season perennial grass that’s as tough as nails. Don’t confuse this with the wheatgrass shots at your local juice bar – this is the wild, untamed cousin that’s been holding down the fort across North America for centuries. It’s a bunchgrass that forms distinctive clumps and can live for many years once established.
Where Does Wheatgrass Call Home?
This hardy grass is native to both Canada and the lower 48 United States, though it’s considered non-native in Alaska. You can find wheatgrass growing naturally across an impressive range of states and provinces, from Alberta and British Columbia down to Arizona and Texas, and from the Pacific Coast to the Great Lakes region.
The Good, The Bad, and The Grassy
Why you might love wheatgrass:
- Incredibly drought tolerant once established
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Provides habitat for wildlife
- Low maintenance and long-lived
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Hardy across USDA zones 3-9
Why you might want to think twice:
- Can be quite aggressive and spread beyond where you want it
- Not particularly showy or ornamental
- May outcompete other desirable plants
- Can become dominant in mixed plantings
Perfect Spots for Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass shines in specific situations where its tough nature is an asset rather than a liability. It’s perfect for:
- Prairie restorations and naturalized areas
- Erosion-prone slopes and banks
- Xeriscaping and water-wise landscapes
- Areas with poor, rocky, or sandy soils
- Large spaces where you want low-maintenance ground cover
- Wildlife habitat gardens focused on native species
Growing Wheatgrass Successfully
The good news is that wheatgrass is pretty forgiving. Here’s how to grow it without letting it take over your entire yard:
Planting conditions: Wheatgrass loves full sun and well-draining soil. It’s remarkably adaptable to different soil types, from sandy to clay, and can handle both alkaline and slightly acidic conditions. The key is good drainage – it doesn’t like wet feet.
Getting started: You can establish wheatgrass from seed or transplants. Spring and fall are the best planting times. If starting from seed, scatter it on prepared soil and rake lightly to cover.
Care and maintenance: Once established, wheatgrass is practically self-sufficient. Water regularly the first year to help it get established, but after that, it should handle drought conditions on its own. You might want to mow or cut it back annually to keep it tidy.
Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits
While wheatgrass might not be the showiest plant in your garden, it’s a workhorse for wildlife. It provides shelter and nesting sites for small animals and birds. The seeds feed various wildlife species, and the dense growth offers protection from predators and harsh weather.
The Bottom Line
Wheatgrass is like the reliable pickup truck of the grass world – it might not win any beauty contests, but it gets the job done. If you have a large naturalized area, need serious erosion control, or want to create wildlife habitat, wheatgrass could be your new best friend. Just make sure you plant it where you’re okay with it spreading, because this grass doesn’t know the meaning of stay in your lane.
For smaller gardens or more controlled plantings, you might want to consider other native grasses that are less aggressive but still provide similar benefits. Your local native plant society can help you choose the perfect grass for your specific situation and location.
