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Intermediate
Wheatgrass
Common
Name(s):
Intermediate
Wheatgrass
Scientific
Name:
Thinopyrum
intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
Scientific
Name Synonyms:
Agropyron intermedium
(Host) Beauv.
Symbol:
THIN6
Description:
Life
Span: Perennial
Origin:Introduced
Season: Cool
Growth Characteristics:
A
distinctly sod-forming grass, growing 2 ½ to 4 feet tall
with abundant rhizomes. It starts growth in early spring, matures
June to August. Growth is difficult to maintain during the summer,
even with adequate moisture. Reproduces from seeds, tillers, and
rhizomes.
Seedhead:Erect
spike, 4 to 8 inches long; spikelets slightly overlapping, set close
to the rachis, and contain 4 to 8 florets; glumes slightly shorter
than the lowest floret when mature and are bluntly pointed; lemmas
awnless.
Leaves: Glabrous or somewhat pubescent on
blades and sheaths; leaf blades flat, veined, up to 3/8 inch wide
and 2 to 6 inches long; leaves rolled in the bud; ligule short,
membranous; auricles of medium length and clasping.
Ecological
Adaptations:
Intermediate wheatgrass
is one of the higher producing introduced grasses on upland and
mountain sites. Intermediate wheatgrass has probably not been introduced
long enough to become naturalized on any particular set of sites.
It is seeded in both dryland and irrigated pastures, as well as
in hay meadows. It will grow in 14-inch rainfall belts, but does
better with 16 inches or more. Can grow in elevations ranging from
4,000 to 10,000 feet.
Soils: Adapted to well-drained, loamy
to fine textured soils that are not more than mildly alkaline.
Associated Species:
Pubescent
wheatgrass and smooth brome.
Uses and
Management:
Intermediate
wheatgrass begins growth moderately early in the spring and remains
green longer than most introduced species. It is sufficiently drought
tolerant. It is good to excellent forage for all classes of livestock
and fair for wildlife. It cures relatively well and remains palatable.
It provides excellent cover for upland game birds.
After it is seeded, it takes one or two full growing seasons to
become fully established and ready for use.
Responds well to nitrogen fertilization. It produces good to excellent
hay if cut early.
Intermediate wheatgrass is one of the better grasses for erosion
control because of its vigorous seedlings, quick establishment,
and dense root system. It has adapted well to seeding in waterways.
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