Siberian Wheatgrass: A Hardy Non-Native Grass for Challenging Sites
If you’re dealing with a tough spot in your landscape where nothing seems to grow—think poor soil, drought conditions, or steep slopes—you might want to consider Siberian wheatgrass (Agropyron fragile). This perennial bunch grass isn’t native to North America, but it’s earned a reputation as one of the most resilient grasses you can plant in challenging conditions.
What Is Siberian Wheatgrass?
Siberian wheatgrass is a cool-season perennial grass that forms dense, upright clumps. Originally from the grasslands of Siberia and Central Asia, this hardy species has been widely introduced across western North America. It typically grows about 3 feet tall with narrow, blue-green to gray-green leaves that create a fine-textured appearance in the landscape.
Where Does It Grow?
This non-native grass has established itself across much of western North America, thriving in states and provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. It’s also found in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Should You Plant Siberian Wheatgrass?
The answer depends on your specific needs and gardening philosophy. Here are the key considerations:
Reasons You Might Want It:
- Exceptional drought tolerance once established
- Thrives in poor, alkaline soils where other plants struggle
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Extremely cold hardy (survives temperatures down to -43°F)
- Low maintenance and rapid growth
- High salt tolerance
Reasons You Might Skip It:
- It’s not native to North America
- Provides minimal wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Can be aggressive and may crowd out native plants
- Not particularly attractive—it’s more functional than beautiful
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re committed to native gardening, consider these indigenous alternatives that can handle tough conditions:
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae family natives)
- Blue grama grass
- Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii)
- Native fescue species
Growing Conditions
Siberian wheatgrass is remarkably adaptable, but it has some preferences:
- Soil: Tolerates coarse to medium-textured soils; avoid heavy clay
- pH: Very flexible, handling anywhere from 5.6 to 9.0
- Moisture: Low water needs—perfect for areas receiving 6-25 inches of annual precipitation
- Sunlight: Full sun only; shade intolerant
- Temperature: Extremely cold hardy, suitable for USDA zones 3-7
Planting and Care Tips
Getting Started:
- Plant from seed in early spring or fall
- Seeds are small (about 206,000 per pound) so plant shallowly
- Ensure at least 90 frost-free days for establishment
- Space plants to allow for mature clump size
Ongoing Care:
- Water regularly the first year to establish deep roots
- Once established, it’s extremely drought tolerant
- No fertilizer needed—it prefers low-fertility conditions
- Cut back in late fall if desired, though it’s not necessary
Landscape Uses
Siberian wheatgrass shines in utilitarian applications rather than ornamental ones. It’s ideal for:
- Erosion control on slopes
- Revegetation projects in disturbed areas
- Drought-tolerant groundcover in challenging sites
- Stabilizing soil in areas with poor drainage or high salt content
The Bottom Line
Siberian wheatgrass is a workhorse plant that excels where others fail. While it won’t win any beauty contests and doesn’t support native wildlife like indigenous plants do, it serves an important role in challenging landscapes. If you need something tough and reliable for a difficult site, and native alternatives aren’t viable, this hardy grass might be your answer. Just remember to consider native options first—your local ecosystem will thank you for it!
