Green Wheatgrass

General Description

Green wheatgrass is a cross of Agropyron spicatum (bluebunch wheatgrass) and Agropyron repens (quackgrass). NewHy is a synthetic cross made in the United States. AC Saltlander is a natural hybrid that was collected in Europe and further selections were done in the United States and Canada. All following information on green wheatgrass is based on AC Saltlander type green wheatgrass. 

Green wheatgrass is an introduced perennial forage grass that demonstrates exceptional salinity tolerance. Its extensive, creeping root system can dewater saline areas and spread out, covering the ground to compete with unwanted, unproductive or unpalatable plants. Green wheatgrass is a tall (75 cm / 30 in) upright plant. Leaves are smooth with no hairs. The leaves are generally 5-13 mm (0.02-0.05 in) wide. Green wheatgrass has tall, spiked seed heads similar to intermediate wheatgrass. In addition, AC Saltlander is productive, palatable, and has good nutritional qualities.

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Originally developed in Canada and the United States from cross between quackgrass (Elymus repens) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata).

Longevity

At least 20 years.

Use

Pasture, hay.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer. Green wheatgrass begins growing early in the spring. Graze green wheatgrass before heading. Hay green wheatgrass as it comes into flower. Vegetative regrowth may be used again. Currently, there is no research confirming the suitability for fall grazing or stockpiled grazing. However, the practice may be possible.

Recovery After Use

Requires a minimum 60-80 days of recovery after use. If green wheatgrass is initially grazed late in the growing season, regrowth is substantially less. Green wheatgrass has low growing points and is moderately tolerant to intensive grazing.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Green wheatgrass has good palatability and quality. Grazing studies have now proven palatability holds until at least late summer. Green wheatgrass average quality is to be 15-19% crude protein, approximately 50% NDF and 60-67% digestibility.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

Limits have not been established. 300mm per year has been sufficient.

Drought Tolerance

Good tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding once established.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Adapted to all soil textures.

Erosion Control

High ability to control erosion. Creeping roots bind the soil.

Salinity Tolerance

High tolerance. Salinity tolerance was a primary selection criterion when being developed. AC Saltlander green wheatgrass salinity tolerance equals that of tall wheatgrass.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Unknown

Seeds per kg

244,000 seeds/kg (111,000 seeds/lb).

Suggested Mixtures

Green wheatgrass is a strong competitor in a mix, including with alfalfa. It is a stronger competitor than intermediate wheatgrass or crested wheatgrass. A typical mixture in low to moderate salinity is a salt tolerant alfalfa, while in moderate to severe salinity a typical mixture would include slender wheatgrass.

Ease of Establishment

Green wheatgrass seedlings are vigorous and establish easily. It spreads by rhizomes to fill in areas between plants.

Competitiveness

Green wheatgrass is very competitive, even on saline sites. It has the ability to outcompete foxtail barley and downy brome. It spreads by rhizomes significantly less than quackgrass. Its ability to spread into native habitats (upland and riparian) has not been well studied.

Management Considerations

Green wheatgrass was developed for use in saline areas, and is best served being seeded on such sites. Invasiveness may be a concern when planting green wheatgrass adjacent to natural areas or across an entire field.