Agropyron cristatum
Crested Wheatgrass
Field view of Agropyron cristatum, common name Crested Wheatgrass. |
Closer view of the 2 or 3 inches long inflorescences. Sometimes they bend. |
The distinctive shape of the spike of Crested Wheatgrass, which tapers toward the top, sometimes even having a wider lump of spikelets at the bottom. |
When seen from this side, you can see between the spikelets. |
Agropyron cristatum has a variation in shape, much less common and only about an inch long. |
A view of the whole plant when dry. |
Closer view of dry seedheads still showing tapered shape. |
The spikelets in this view have gaps between them, but you are seeing the edge views of the one opened out in the next photo. |
Imagine each of these spikelets turned on edge view. That is what you are seeing (many of them) in the previous photo. Above the glumes there are usually 4 to 6 florets--this one has 6. |
How to Identify Crested Wheatgrass
Two features are usually enough to tell Crested Wheatgrass from other wheat-like, spiked seedheads: the tapered shape and the visible gaps between the spikelets. It usually grows knee-high but can reach hip-high. It is perennial.
Similar Species
Hordeum pusillum looks similar but narrow gaps don't usually show between the spikelets, the awns are longer, and the seedhead has less tapering if any.