Tall wheatgrass

Thinopyrum ponticum

Tall Wheatgrass is a coarse, Cool-season bunchgrass. It is tall and can grow up to 7 feet when irrigated. It is well-adapted to areas of Colorado and New Mexico at elevations up to 7,500 feet. It requires at least 120 frost free days for seed production. AREA OF ADAPTATION: Tall Wheatgrass is best suited for irrigation or sub-irrigation. It is not suited for long term dryland plantings. It thrives on soils that vary from sandy to clayey; while being less productive on clays and sands. It requires a minimum of 14 inches MAP. It has good winter hardiness and can be planted at elevations between 500 and 7,500 feet.PLANTING: Tall Wheatgrass has the largest seed of any of the wheatgrasses. Drill seed at 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep on fine textured soils, at 1 to 1 1/2 inches on coarse textured soils, and up to 2 inches deep on drier and looser seedbeds. A seeding rate of 9 to 13 lbs. PLS per acre is adequate in most conditions. At lower elevations and in Warm valleys, late summer or early fall plantings are best. At higher elevations or where its use is on non-irrigated land, plant in early spring.MANAGEMENT: The species is used for pastures, hay, silage, and standing winter feed. It is also used as a snow and wind barrier. Protect seedlings from grazing until the grass heads out and is well rooted. It is best seeded alone, but may be planted with legumes. Maintain a 6-inch stubble. Tall Wheatgrass should normally be confined to arable and irrigated land.PLANTING DATES: March - June