Description


Agropyrun Spicatum is a very common native grass in the western United States, in fact it is the state grass of both Washington and Montana.

Agropyrun Spicatum is part of the grass family Poaceae. It is a perennial that ranges in height between 1.5 to 4 feet tall.

Its blue-green leaves are numerous and flat or loosly rolled. They are normaly 1/16 inch thick and taper to the tip.

It forms tiny flowers that lack petals and are not easily seen. They form in flat clusters and are arranged in narrow spikes that range from 3 1/2 - 6 inches long.

It has an extensive root system that can reach nearly 3-4 feet underground. The roots have a waxy layer that protects them from drying out in dry soils but in wetter soils they may form rhizomes.

It is fire and drought tolerant but will not survive over grazing by livestock.

Habitat


Agropyrun Spicatum can be found in the Western United States from Alaska to Texas.

It does well in many different habitats including all aspects of mountain slopes, alluvial fans, and valley bottoms.

It can be found at a range of elevations mainly between 4000-9000 feet. It is found mostly in well drained coarse soils.

Climate



Agropyrun Spicatum is adapted to an average annual precipitation of 12-14 inches. It will survive well below zero in the winter and above 100º F in the summer.

It is a cool season perennial that grows quickly in the spring and fall but is dormant during the hot summer.

Uses


Agropyrun Spicatum is high in digestible carbohydrates and so is an important food source for wildlife and livestock. It will not tolerate overgrazing and so does well as a rotational crop.

It is commonly used for revegetation of degraded habitat, and helps to prevent landslides and soil erosion. It also helps prevent large rangeland fires due to its tendency to grow in clumps.