Bearded wheatgrass, a perennial grass species, is a prominent member of the Poaceae family. This cool-season grass is recognized for its distinctive appearance, which includes characteristic “beards” or awns that contribute to its common name. Understanding this plant involves recognizing its physical attributes, preferred growing conditions, and its various ecological and practical implications.
Identifying Bearded Wheatgrass
Bearded wheatgrass grows as an herbaceous, tufted perennial, reaching heights of 1.5 to 4 feet (4 to 10 decimeters). Its leaves are green to bluish, appearing somewhat lax and ranging from flat to in-rolled, about 4 to 6 millimeters wide. The leaf sheaths are smooth.
A distinguishing feature is its narrow, elongated seed head, or spike, which can measure 3 to 8 inches long. Within these seed heads, the individual spikelets do not overlap. The most notable characteristic, giving the grass its name, are the straight terminal awns, around 0.5 inches long.
Where Bearded Wheatgrass Thrives
This grass exhibits a broad natural distribution, found across the northern Great Plains and the Intermountain regions of the western United States. Its range extends widely across North America, from Newfoundland to Alaska, and south into states including West Virginia and Arizona. Bearded wheatgrass is also native to parts of Europe and West Asia.
Bearded wheatgrass is adaptable, thriving in various soils and climates, from very dry to wet conditions. It establishes in medium to coarse-textured soils, and also in heavy, sandy, or clayey sites, provided the soil depth is over 10 inches. This species demonstrates drought tolerance, thriving in areas receiving 10 to 20 inches of annual precipitation. It is cold-tolerant, shade-tolerant, and fire-tolerant, found at elevations ranging from 500 to 10,000 feet above sea level.
Significance and Management
Bearded wheatgrass serves a valuable ecological role as a long-lived perennial bunchgrass with an extensive root system. It is a component of many native plant communities. This grass is also valued as forage for various livestock and wildlife, being palatable to cattle, horses, sheep, and deer.
Beyond forage, bearded wheatgrass is effective in erosion control and land reclamation due to its drought resistance and persistence. It is utilized for stabilizing disturbed soils, including along roadsides and ditchbanks. While it can spread into adjacent areas, it is not broadly classified as a weedy or invasive species, as most plantings do not spread from their original locations.
Management of bearded wheatgrass, especially in grazing systems, requires careful consideration. Stands should not be grazed until established, after two growing seasons. Once established, allow at least 6 inches of new growth in spring before grazing begins. Given its high growing point, this grass can be susceptible to overgrazing, so a deferred, rotational grazing system is recommended.