RS Wheatgrass: What You Need to Know About This Uncommon Grass
If you’ve stumbled across the name RS wheatgrass in your gardening research, you’re probably wondering what exactly this grass is and whether it belongs in your landscape. Let’s dive into what we know about this somewhat mysterious member of the wheatgrass family.
The Basics: What is RS Wheatgrass?
RS wheatgrass (Elymus hoffmannii) is a perennial grass that falls into the category of graminoids – that’s botanist-speak for grass and grass-like plants. As a perennial, it comes back year after year once established, which can be both a blessing and something to consider carefully in your garden planning.
Where Does RS Wheatgrass Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting: RS wheatgrass isn’t actually native to North America. It’s what botanists call an introduced species – meaning it arrived here from somewhere else and has managed to establish itself in the wild. Currently, it’s been documented growing in Idaho, where it reproduces on its own without human intervention.
Should You Plant RS Wheatgrass?
This is where gardening gets a bit complicated. While RS wheatgrass isn’t classified as invasive (at least not that we know of), its non-native status means it won’t provide the same ecological benefits as our homegrown grasses. Here are some things to consider:
- It won’t support native wildlife in the same way indigenous grasses do
- We don’t have comprehensive information about its growth habits or potential spread
- Its long-term behavior in different climates remains unclear
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of RS wheatgrass, consider these fantastic native alternatives that will support local ecosystems:
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) – drought-tolerant and beautiful
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae family natives) – low-maintenance and wildlife-friendly
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – gorgeous fall color and bird habitat
- Native fescues specific to your region
The Information Gap
Here’s the honest truth: there’s surprisingly little detailed information available about RS wheatgrass specifically. We don’t have clear data on its preferred growing conditions, mature size, care requirements, or ecological impacts. This lack of information is actually a red flag for gardeners who want to make informed decisions about their landscapes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Garden
When facing a plant with limited information like RS wheatgrass, the best approach is often to choose better-known alternatives. Native grasses offer:
- Predictable growth patterns
- Known wildlife benefits
- Adaptation to local climate conditions
- Support for native pollinators and birds
- Extensive growing guides and care information
The Bottom Line
While RS wheatgrass isn’t necessarily a bad plant, it’s not the best choice for most gardeners. With so many wonderful native grasses available that we know will thrive and support local ecosystems, why take a chance on something with so many unknowns? Your garden – and local wildlife – will thank you for choosing plants with a proven track record of success and ecological benefit.
Remember, every plant choice is a vote for the kind of landscape and ecosystem you want to support. In this case, voting for well-documented native alternatives is probably your best bet!
