Selected images for crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum )

Appearance

Agropyron cristatum is a cool season perennial bunchgrass that grows from 1-3 ft (0.3-0.9 m) tall. It is native to Africa, temperate Asia, and parts of Europe. It was introduced to North and South America as a forage crop.

Foliage

The culms are erect with flat leaves which are about 0.08-0.24 in (2-6 mm) wide. The leaves are smooth below and slightly scabrous above.

Flowers

The spikelets are widely spreading with contoured glumes. They gradually taper into awns 0.08-0.2 in (2-5 mm) long.

Fruit

Seed heads are flattened vertically, with compact overlapping spikelets. Each seed has a short awn.

Ecological Threat

A. cristatum is cold and drought tolerant with a deep fibrous root system which allows it to compete successfully with both native plants and weeds. It has been planted as forage on 10-26 million acres in North America.