Slender Wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus subsp. trachycaulus
Care
full sun, part shade
low
Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.
3–5ft tall
Mar-May
Resistant
Meadows and riparian areas in the Sierra Nevada and higher elevation regions, typically at 4,000-10,000 ft elevation, extending to British Columbia and the Great Plains
Care Guide
Planting
Plant slender wheatgrass in full sun with loamy or clay soil - avoid sandy soils where it performs poorly. Space according to your design goals, though the data doesn't specify exact spacing. Spring is ideal for planting to establish before summer. This native grass is highly adaptable and can handle part shade, though it prefers full sun for best growth.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then transition to low-water maintenance once established. The plant is drought-tolerant once settled in, so expect to wean off supplemental water by fall. Slender wheatgrass is deer resistant, which means you won't need to protect it from browsing. Year 1 focuses on root development rather than showy growth - patience now pays off with a resilient, low-maintenance grass for years to come.
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Wildlife Supported
Birds
seed consumption during migration and overwintering in grasslands
seed head foraging in late summer and fall; winter food source
small seed foraging in fall and winter
seed and insect foraging in grass habitat during breeding season
seed head consumption in late season; also nesting habitat within dense grass
grazing on grass shoots during migration and wintering
winter and year-round foraging on seeds and shoots
seed consumption during migration staging and winter
+1 more species
Insects
larval food plant; caterpillars feed on grass blades
sap-feeding on grass leaves; supports insectivorous birds
early season sap-feeding; important protein source for migrant birds
grass-feeding larvae; multiple generations during growing season