Common Name: Snake River Wheatgrass
Scientific Name: Elymus wawawaiensis
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Wildlife habitat restoration
~Pasture and rangeland
~Soil stabilization
Height: 1 1/2 - 4 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Most soils
Tolerances:
~Extreme drought
~Cold
~Fire
Sun or Shade: Full sun, partial shade
Elevation: 500 to 10,000
Minimum Precipitation: 10-13 inches (Secar variety: 8 inches)
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 6-10 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 120,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall or spring
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Category: Grasses
 
Description:
Snake River Wheatgrass is a cool season bunchgrass with an extensive root system and robust tillers. It thrives on medium to coarse textured, well-drained soils, demonstrating adaptability to various soil textures, including thin, rocky soils and steep slopes. This grass species is capable of establishing and surviving in areas with precipitation levels ranging from 8 to 35 inches and can be found growing at elevations between 500 to 10,000 feet.
 
Notably, Snake River Wheatgrass exhibits high tolerance to cold, drought, and fire. It serves as a highly palatable and nutritious forage for both wildlife and livestock. This grass is suitable for use in urban areas with limited irrigation water, and it proves effective in stabilizing ditch banks, dikes, and roadsides when included as part of a mixture.
 
One of its distinctive qualities is its relatively easy and quick establishment for a native grass. Due to its profound drought resistance, Snake River Wheatgrass is an extremely valuable native grass species for the restoration and improvement of many sites in the western United States.
 
Resources
NRCS Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ELWA2
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_elwa2.pdf
NRCS Fact Sheet: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_elwa2.pdf