Thinopyrum intermedium (Intermediate wheatgrass)
Formerly Agropyron intermedium. Cool season, perennial, robust, moderately drought tolerant sod-former, 2-4 ft. tall. Adapted to a wide variety of sites but does best on medium to fine textured soils. Excellent soil builder due to high levels of root production. Good palatability to livestock and wildlife, as well as nesting cover for birds and waterfowl. Use for conservation, pasture and hay. Grows well with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Varieties listed below.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Poaceae
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Graminoid
Native Status: Introduced
Season: Cool
Growth Form: Rhizomatous
Mature Height: 24-48 in.
Annual Precipitation: 12-30 in.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Fire Resistance: No
Fire Tolerance: High
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: Yes
Medium Texture: Yes
Fine Texture: Yes
Salinity Tolerance: Medium
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
pH Range: 5.6-8.4
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound: 80,000
Seeding Rate: 10-15 PLS lbs/acre
Season:
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES
Manifest - Improved tillering compared to Oahe, making it better for grazing. Superior longevity to other varieties. High forage yield and increased persistence under grazed conditions. Recommended for hayland and pastures in grass or grass-legume mixtures. (Released 2007)
Oahe - High seed and forage producer and good resistance to rust. Bluegreen type with vigorous sod-forming capability. (Released 1945)
Rush - Good seedling emergence and vigor. Achieves greater stand density and height quicker than previous releases. Equal or higher forage production to Oahe. (Released 1994)