Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum): What You Need to Know About This Adaptable Grass
If you’ve been exploring grasses for your landscape, you might have come across wheatgrass from the genus Thinopyrum. This perennial grass has made itself at home across much of North America, but before you decide whether to plant it, let’s dig into what makes this grass tick and whether it’s the right choice for your garden.
What Is Thinopyrum Wheatgrass?
Thinopyrum is a genus of perennial grasses that originally hail from Eurasia, particularly the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. These are sturdy, upright grasses that belong to the graminoid family – basically, they’re true grasses with all the classic grass characteristics you’d expect.
In Canada, Thinopyrum is considered a non-native species that has established itself in the wild and persists without human intervention. Its status in the lower 48 United States is less clearly defined, but it has spread widely across the continent.
Where Does Wheatgrass Grow?
Talk about a well-traveled grass! Thinopyrum has established populations across an impressive range of North American locations, including Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon in Canada. In the United States, you’ll find it in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Should You Plant Wheatgrass in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Thinopyrum wheatgrass is adaptable and relatively low-maintenance, it’s important to consider that it’s not native to North America. Before choosing this grass, you might want to explore native alternatives that would provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Potential Benefits:
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance requirements
- Adaptable to various soil conditions
- Provides structure in naturalized landscapes
Things to Consider:
- Non-native status means it may not support local wildlife as effectively as native grasses
- May compete with native plant species in some situations
- Wind-pollinated, so limited direct benefits for pollinators like bees and butterflies
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow Thinopyrum wheatgrass, you’ll find it’s fairly accommodating. This grass typically thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for most temperate regions of North America.
Preferred Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil (adaptable to various soil types)
- Moderate to low water requirements once established
- Tolerates drought conditions
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant seeds in early spring or fall
- Water regularly during establishment (first growing season)
- Once established, requires minimal care
- May benefit from occasional division every few years
- Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before settling on Thinopyrum wheatgrass, consider these native grass alternatives that could provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – excellent for erosion control and wildlife habitat
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) – drought-tolerant native option for western regions
- Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis) – tall native grass perfect for naturalized areas
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) – low-growing native with excellent drought tolerance
The Bottom Line
Thinopyrum wheatgrass is an adaptable, low-maintenance grass that can serve specific purposes in landscape design, particularly for erosion control and naturalized areas. However, as a non-native species, it’s worth considering whether native grass alternatives might better serve both your landscaping needs and local wildlife. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your garden goals and local ecosystem health!
