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Anderson, Wynn

Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata

Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve ssp. spicata

Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Bluebunch-wheat Grass

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonym(s): Agropyron spicatum, Agropyron spicatum var. pubescens, Agropyron vaseyi, Elymus spicatus, Elytrigia spicata, Roegneria spicata

USDA Symbol: PSSPS

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)

Bluebunch-wheat grass is a 1-3 ft., cool-season bunchgrass which cures well to remain effective in the winter landscape. The slender culms bear 2-4 in., terminal, spike-like seedheads. Spikelets are arranged loosely; each extending barely beyond the base of the next on the other side. Each spikelet is tipped with a curved, extending awn. Bluebunch-wheat grass is a perennial grass.

From the Image Gallery

9 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Inflorescence: Spike
Fruit Type: Caryopsis
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Gray-Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MI , MT , ND , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , BC , SK , YT
Native Distribution: E. of the Cascades & coastal mts. from B.C. to n. CA, e. to the Dakotas & NM
Native Habitat: Plains; dry slopes; canyons; open woods

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Dry, rocky or thin soils.
Conditions Comments: This is a good species to stabilize critical areas. It is drought tolerant.

Propagation

Description: Grows well from seed.
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-02-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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