Pseudoroegneria spicata

Common Names

Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Beardless Wheatgrass

Summary

Bluebunch wheatgrass is a long‑lived native cool‑season perennial bunchgrass of western North America, forming bluish‑green clumps 1–2 ft tall with deep, fibrous roots to 3–5 ft. It is drought tolerant and an erosion‑control plant on slopes, ridgelines, and disturbed sites, supporting wildlife and restoration of disturbed western rangelands. Native range from sea level to about 8,500 ft in open, sunny, well‑drained soils; awned and unawned forms exist, with a narrow seed head 3–6 in long and a zigzag rachis; it is the official state grass of Montana.

In cultivation it prefers full sun and well‑drained soils, with drought tolerance after establishment; establishment typically 2–3 years. Seed can be sown in fall or early spring; container transplants can establish faster. Uses include native gardens, prairie restoration, erosion control, and wildlife habitats; fire ecology notes include moderate fire resistance and resilience after burns, and it is valued for soil stabilization and reclamation of disturbed sites.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1–4.5 feet

Spread

18-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils.

Soil pH

Acidic soils (low pH); not alkaline.

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green to blue

Fall Foliage Color

Green to blue

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; slow to establish, taking 2–3 years to reach full establishment from seed; good spring growth, fair summer growth, and good fall regrowth.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Tillering, rhizomes

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds