crested wheatgrass

plant

Also known as: Agropyron cristatum

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Crested wheatgrass refers to two Eurasian grass species, Agropyron cristatum and A. desertorum, which are cultivated in the U.S. for forage and erosion control. Wheatgrass, in general, belongs to the genus Agropyron within the Poaceae family and is found across the North Temperate Zone.12

These perennial grasses typically grow between 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40 inches) tall and often spread via underground stems called rhizomes. Their leaves are flat or rolled, and their small flowers are arranged in spike-like clusters. Many wheatgrass species are drought-tolerant and can grow in salty soils. Both crested wheatgrass and desert wheatgrass are valuable forage plants and are used to bind soil in the western United States.2

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wheatgrass
…desert wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) and crested wheatgrass (A. cristatum), are good forage plants and are often used as soil binders in the western United States. Wheatgrass is also the name of juice derived from seedlings of true wheat (Triticum aestivum), sometimes consumed as a health food.
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…desert wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) and crested wheatgrass (A. cristatum), are good forage plants and are often used as soil binders in the western United States. Wheatgrass is also the name of juice derived from seedlings of true wheat (Triticum aestivum), sometimes consumed as a health food.
Read More