// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Western wheatgrass

Pascopyrum smithii

Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 33 U.S. states, including AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–11a
Mature size: 6"–3'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) — *Pascopyrum smithii* — Western wheatgrass. Photo by Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms May–Jun.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, western wheatgrass pairs naturally with: Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis var. porcata), Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis).