Crested wheatgrass

Form:               Bunch grass in dense tufts.

Height:              2 to 3 feet.

Seedhead:        Very distinct flattened seedhead measuring 1½ to 3 inches in length and tapering toward the tip. The most distinguishing feature is that the spikelets (holding the seeds) greatly overlap, and are crowded together one up against the next.

Stems:              Leafy, slender, and erect.

Leaves:             Leaves are abundant, both at the base and along the stems.

                        Leaves are 6 to 10 inches long, about 1/4 inch wide, flat, and slightly hairy on the upper surface.

Roots:              Deep and extensive.

Ecology:           Extreme cold and drought tolerant. Good for wildlife; able to withstand heavy grazing.

Benefits:           Good for erosion control. Weed suppressive, especially with cheatgrass.

Fire tolerance:   Good.