Pascopyrum smithii
Western Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass is a hardy, long-lived native grass highly valued for pasture and hay production, particularly in the western United States. Renowned for its palatability to livestock—especially cattle—and wildlife, it thrives in challenging conditions, including saline or saline-sodic soils, poor drainage, and moderate drought. With its robust root system, Western Wheatgrass excels in erosion control and is commonly included in range seeding mixtures for sustainable pasture and hay development.
This versatile grass performs well across a wide elevational range of 1,000 to 9,000 feet, making it suitable for diverse landscapes. It is ideal for grazing with proper management, as 50–60% of its growth should be left as stubble to maintain plant health, and a rest rotation system is recommended. When grown densely, Western Wheatgrass also produces excellent-quality hay.
Segment
Conservation Seed
Category
Native Grasses
Species
Western Wheatgrass
Sci. Name
Pascopyrum smithii
Seeding Depth (Inches)
1/2-1
Seeding Rate - Alone/New (Lbs./Acre)
5-15
Planting Times
Late Fall, Spring