Description
Common names
Common Wheatgrass, Common Wheat-grass.
Scientific names
Elymus scaber.
Family
Poaceae.
Genus
Elymus.
Growth height
Up to 1.1m.
Presence in Australia
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
Habit
Loosely tufted perennial grass to 1.1m high. Distinctive seedheads, summer. Leaves narrow, rough along one edge, and have "half-twist".
Site preference
Tolerates frost and moderate drought.
Seed collection
Early to late Dec. Mature seeds easily part from seedheads.
Propagation
From seed or by division. Seeds have 6 month after-ripening period.
Wildlife
High forage value. One of first native grasses to grow in spring, providing early green forage. Seed injures eyes and contaminates wool.
Other
Forage value increases under grazing and rising fertility.