crested wheatgrass
(Agropyron cristatum)
This species is Introduced in the United States
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.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Poales |
| Family: Poaceae |
| Genus: Agropyron |
| Agropyron cristatum |
Other System Links
Plants: AGCR
Bayer: AGRCR
GRIN: 102774
ITIS: 40371
NPDN Pest: PCAACBC
NPDN Host: 33027
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.