Annual Wheatgrass: Understanding This Non-Native Grass Species
If you’ve stumbled across the term annual wheatgrass while researching grass species for your garden, you might be wondering whether this plant deserves a spot in your landscape. Let me give you the scoop on Eremopyrum triticeum—a small, unassuming grass that’s more likely to show up uninvited than to grace your garden center’s shelves.
What is Annual Wheatgrass?
Annual wheatgrass (Eremopyrum triticeum) is exactly what its name suggests—an annual grass that completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season. This modest member of the Poaceae family isn’t your typical garden showstopper. Originally hailing from the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and parts of Europe, this little wanderer has made itself at home across much of North America.
You might also encounter this species under its scientific synonyms, including Agropyron prostratum and Agropyron triticeum, though these names are less commonly used today.
Where You’ll Find Annual Wheatgrass
This adaptable grass has established itself across a impressive range of North American territories. You’ll find annual wheatgrass growing wild in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada, as well as in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming in the United States.
As a non-native species, annual wheatgrass has proven quite capable of reproducing and persisting on its own without human intervention—a testament to its hardy, opportunistic nature.
Should You Plant Annual Wheatgrass?
Here’s where I’ll be straight with you: annual wheatgrass isn’t typically something gardeners seek out for their landscapes. This small, inconspicuous grass lacks the ornamental appeal that most of us are looking for when planning our gardens. With its narrow leaves and unremarkable seed heads, it’s more of a background player than a star performer.
The species tends to favor disturbed soils and dry conditions, often appearing in areas where other plants struggle. While it’s drought-tolerant and hardy (thriving in USDA zones 4-8), these characteristics make it more of a survivor than a garden asset.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re curious about this species from a purely academic standpoint, annual wheatgrass prefers:
- Dry, well-draining soils
- Full sun exposure
- Disturbed or poor soil conditions
- Minimal water once established
Being wind-pollinated, this grass doesn’t offer significant benefits to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its primary ecological role seems to be soil stabilization in harsh conditions.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of annual wheatgrass, consider these native grass options that offer superior aesthetic and ecological benefits:
- Buffalo grass – Excellent drought tolerance with attractive blue-green foliage
- Blue grama – Beautiful seed heads and excellent wildlife value
- Little bluestem – Stunning fall color and four-season interest
- Sideoats grama – Graceful form with distinctive seed heads
These native alternatives not only look better in the landscape but also support local wildlife and pollinators while requiring less maintenance once established.
The Bottom Line
While annual wheatgrass isn’t harmful to grow, it’s simply not the best choice for most gardening situations. This non-native species lacks ornamental value and doesn’t provide the ecological benefits that native grasses offer. If you’re looking to add grasses to your landscape, you’ll be much happier with native species that offer beauty, wildlife habitat, and a sense of place.
Save your garden space for plants that truly earn their keep—your local ecosystem (and your neighbors) will thank you for it!
