Intermediate Wheatgrass: The Hardy Non-Native Grass That’s Making Waves
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails grass that laughs in the face of drought and poor soil, intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) might just be your new best friend. This perennial grass has been quietly making a name for itself across North America, though it originally hails from much farther away.
What Exactly Is Intermediate Wheatgrass?
Intermediate wheatgrass, also known as pubescent wheatgrass, is a non-native perennial grass that has found a comfortable home across much of North America. Originally from Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe, this hardy grass has established itself from British Columbia down to Georgia and from coast to coast.
This grass spreads through underground stems (rhizomes) and can reach up to 3 feet tall, forming dense clumps of blue-green to gray-green foliage. While it won’t win any beauty contests with its modest yellow flowers that bloom in mid-spring, it makes up for it with sheer toughness and reliability.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
You can spot intermediate wheatgrass thriving across a impressive range of locations including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and several other states, plus parts of Canada including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and even the Yukon.
Why Gardeners Choose (or Don’t Choose) This Grass
The Good:
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Tolerates a wide pH range (5.6 to 8.4)
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-8
- Low maintenance once established
- High fire tolerance
Things to Consider:
- Not native to North America
- Spreads moderately through rhizomes
- Not particularly ornamental
- Requires full sun (shade intolerant)
- Limited wildlife and pollinator benefits
Perfect Spots for Intermediate Wheatgrass
This grass shines in challenging situations where you need something reliable. Think erosion-prone slopes, prairie restoration projects, or areas with poor, dry soil where other plants give up. It’s particularly useful for:
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Erosion control projects
- Reclamation of disturbed sites
- Areas with minimal irrigation
- Pasture and forage applications
Growing Intermediate Wheatgrass Successfully
Planting: This grass is typically grown from seed, with about 80,000 seeds per pound. Spring seeding works best, and you’ll need at least 90 frost-free days for successful establishment. The seedlings show high vigor once they get going.
Soil Requirements: One of the most adaptable aspects of this grass is its soil tolerance. It handles coarse, medium, and fine-textured soils with equal ease, and it’s quite tolerant of alkaline conditions and moderate salinity.
Water Needs: After establishment, intermediate wheatgrass is remarkably drought tolerant, requiring only 12-30 inches of annual precipitation. It’s classified as having low moisture use, making it perfect for water-wise gardening.
Maintenance: This is a low-fuss grass. Once established, it requires minimal care. It has a rapid growth rate during its active growing season (spring through fall) but regrows slowly after cutting or grazing.
Native Alternatives to Consider
While intermediate wheatgrass is a reliable performer, you might also consider these native grass alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) for drought tolerance
- Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) for similar growth habits
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) for low-maintenance lawns
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for texture and fall color
The Bottom Line
Intermediate wheatgrass is like that dependable friend who’s always there when you need them. It may not be the flashiest option in your landscape toolkit, but when you need a grass that can handle tough conditions with minimal fuss, it delivers. Just remember that while it’s not invasive, choosing native alternatives when possible helps support local wildlife and maintains the ecological balance of your region.
Whether you’re tackling a challenging slope, creating a drought-tolerant landscape, or need reliable ground cover for poor soil conditions, intermediate wheatgrass might just be the unsung hero your garden needs.
