Description ⁵

Crested Wheat Grass is long lived (15 to 20 years), drought and fire tolerant and has an extensive root system. It spreads primarily via seed but may also spread via rhizomes. The flower spikes are flattened.

Range in Yukon ⁵

Widespread agronomic species commonly used in seeding projects. Found throughout Yukon. It may become invasive in native habitats.

Similar Species ⁵

Crested Wheat Grass resembles the native wild rye (Elymus spp.) but their seeds are arranged like a comb (pectinate) along the stem.

Ecological Impact ⁵

It may form monospecific stands and inhibit growth of native species.

Control ⁵

Crested Wheat Grass is highly competitive and therefore needs to be controlled quickly to prevent negative impact on native species. Control is a long-term process. As a perennial, when clumps of plants are removed, even small pieces of the root system are capable of regenerating into new plants. Put plants into clear garbage bags and then leave them in the sun to kill off the plants and roast the seeds.

For more information visit: Yukon Invasive Species Council

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/zharkikh/8075255341/
2. (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Agropyron%20cristatum%2049812.JPG
3. (c) 2009 Zoya Akulova, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/0000_0000/0809/0557.jpeg
4. (c) licensed media from USDA PLANTS images without owner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://plants.usda.gov/gallery/large/agcr_004_lvp.jpg
5. (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNaturalist.ca taxon page
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Calflora
• CalPhotos
• eFloras.org
• Flora of North America (beta)
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
• IPNI (with links to POWO, WFO, and BHL)
• Jepson eFlora
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• OregonFlora.org
• SEINet Symbiota portals
• Tropicos
• USDA PLANTS database
• VASCAN by Canadensys
• World Flora Online

Range Map

(c) NatureServe, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

iNaturalist.ca Map