Wheatgrass (Agropyron): A Hardy Perennial for Low-Maintenance Landscapes
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails grass that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, wheatgrass (Agropyron) might just be your new best friend. This perennial grass has made itself at home across North America, though it originally hails from distant shores. Let’s dive into what makes this resilient grass tick and whether it deserves a spot in your landscape.
What Exactly Is Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass belongs to the grass family and forms the classic clumping growth pattern you’d expect from a hardy perennial grass. With its blue-green to gray-green blades swaying in the breeze, it brings that authentic prairie feel to any landscape. Don’t let the simple appearance fool you – this grass is a survivor that’s earned its place in challenging growing conditions across the continent.
Where Does Wheatgrass Call Home?
Here’s where things get interesting: wheatgrass is actually a world traveler. Originally from Eurasia, this adaptable grass has established itself as a non-native species throughout North America. You’ll find it thriving from Alaska down to Texas, and from coast to coast, including most Canadian provinces and U.S. states. It’s become so well-established that it reproduces on its own and persists without any human help.
Should You Plant Wheatgrass in Your Garden?
The million-dollar question! Wheatgrass offers some compelling benefits, but there are a few things to consider:
The Good Stuff
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Handles poor soils like a champ
- Provides food for wildlife (though not their favorite snack)
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-9
Things to Keep in Mind
- It’s non-native, so it won’t support local ecosystems as well as native alternatives
- Can spread and naturalize beyond where you plant it
- Offers limited benefits to pollinators (it’s wind-pollinated)
- May outcompete native plants in some situations
Wildlife Benefits: A Mixed Bag
While wheatgrass isn’t going to win any popularity contests in the animal kingdom, it does provide some value. Large animals like deer and elk will munch on it occasionally, making up about 5-10% of their diet. Smaller mammals and birds use it even less frequently, with it comprising only 2-5% of their diet. It’s more of a backup food source than a wildlife magnet, and animals don’t typically use it for cover either.
Perfect Spots for Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass shines in specific landscape situations:
- Naturalized prairie gardens
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Low-maintenance areas where you want something green but don’t want to fuss
- Restoration projects in harsh conditions
Growing Wheatgrass Successfully
The beauty of wheatgrass lies in its simplicity. This grass practically grows itself once you get it started.
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun preferred, though it tolerates some shade
- Soil: Adapts to various soil types, from clay to sandy
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during establishment
- Climate: Hardy in zones 3-9, handles both cold winters and hot summers
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant seeds in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establishment
- Once established, it’s pretty much set-and-forget
- Cut back in late winter if desired, though it’s not necessary
- No fertilizing needed – this grass thrives on neglect
Native Alternatives to Consider
Since wheatgrass is non-native, you might want to consider these native alternatives that offer similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) for warm climates
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) for prairie conditions
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for diverse conditions
- Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) for cool climates
The Bottom Line
Wheatgrass is like that reliable friend who’s always there when you need them – not flashy, but dependable. While it won’t create a pollinator paradise or provide top-tier wildlife habitat, it excels at surviving tough conditions with minimal care. If you have a challenging spot that needs something green and you don’t mind planting a non-native species, wheatgrass could be your solution. However, if supporting native ecosystems is a priority, consider the native alternatives mentioned above. Either way, you’ll have a low-maintenance grass that can handle whatever your landscape throws at it.
