Description:

A cool season perennial bunchgrass that was introduced to the Western Plains because of its resilience to grazing, cold and drought tolerance; it is effective at controlling erosion; considered invasive in some areas because it reduces plant diversity

Ornamental Features

Crested Wheat Grass features airy spikes of light green flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. The tan seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from mid summer to early winter. Its grassy leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Crested Wheat Grass is a dense herbaceous perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive
• Self-Seeding

Crested Wheat Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Crested Wheat Grass will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America..