Slender Wheatgrass

Slender Wheatgrass is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass native to the Intermountain West, known for its excellent first-year seedling vigor and ability to establish quickly. This grass provides high-quality forage for livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, and wildlife including elk and deer, with a crude protein content of 22–25% in the spring. It also serves as an important habitat component, offering cover for upland game birds and small mammals, while its seeds provide a food source for wildlife. With dry matter yields averaging 1,000–2,300 pounds per acre, Slender Wheatgrass is a dependable choice for grazing and hay production, particularly in diverse conditions ranging from dry prairie ranges to temperate forests.

This versatile grass grows up to three feet tall and thrives in loamy soils, tolerating shady, moist areas with high salinity. It is well-suited for soil stabilization and erosion control projects, as well as reclamation in areas with at least 14 inches of annual rainfall. While it is typically short-lived, its rapid establishment and adaptability make it a valuable addition to pastures, restoration efforts, and wildlife habitat enhancement.