Figure 1. Image of Agropyron spicatum (5)
Figure 2. Agropyron spicatum specimen (3)
Figure 3. Distribution of Agropyron spicatum in Utah by county (5)
Description:
Agropyron spicatum, more commonly known as the bluebunch wheatgrass, is a perennial bunchgrass that is a member of the grass family Poaceae. Its name is of Greek etymology. In Greek, the words agro and pyros literally denote wild and wheat, respectively. Agropyron spicatum is now commonly being referred to as Pseudoroegneria spicata.Agropyron spicatum are known to have an extensive fibrous root system. The roots of these plants can extend for 1.0 meter below the surface and extend for meters laterally. The extensive root system of these grasses allows A. spicatum to compete very well with other competing species for water and nutrient availability. As a result, bluebunch wheatgrass grow to be relatively tall. These plants typically grow in bunches to heights between 1.5 and 4.0 feet. Their leaves are flat and hairy above and grow to widths between 4.0 and 6.0 millimeters. The common name of this plant is a result of the color of its leaves which are blue-green in color.
Bluebunch wheatgrass rely on seeds in order to reproduce. The seeds can only be up to half of one inch below the surface in order for germination to occur. Establishment from seeds can take two or three years to occur. This illustrates the hardiness of the seeds of these plants. A. spicatum can also cross-pollinate. However, seed production is greatly reduced when cross pollination occurs. These grasses are also able to cross with other ecotypes but typically result in sterile progeny.
Geographic and Elevation Distribution:
Bluebunch wheatgrass are common throughout the northern Great Plains and the Intermountain West of the United States. They typically are found in elevations between 152.4 and 3048 meters (500 – 10,000 feet) above sea level. The distribution of A. spicatum in Utah is illustrated in the figure below.
Ecological Importance:
Agropyron spicatum have important ecological uses. It is used as a major food source for large animals. All kinds of wildlife and livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, elk, and deer feed on bluebunch wheatgrass as a source of protein content. Young A. spicatum can have as much as twenty percent nitrogen content in the early spring. As the plants mature later in the year, nitrogen content may be as little as four percent. A. spicatum is frequently found in pastures and is commonly used by farmers as a source of hay.Agropyron spicatum are also able to adapt well to a variety of environmental conditions. It grows successfully in deep, well-drained soils and is dominant on dry open slopes. These plants typically are successful in medium to coarse textured soils but can also tolerate mildly saline conditions. However, A. spicatum is not able to grow in very acidic soil environments or in areas with significant amounts of stagnant water. These grasses are also able to tolerate cold temperatures, drought, and are very resistant to fires. Although bluebunch wheatgrass are able to adapt to a wide variety of environmental conditions, they are not able to compete well with introduced species which may challenge them for resources. In areas where overgrazing may occur, A. spicatum is frequently out-competed by annual plants.
In addition, A. spicatum conduct photosynthesis via the C3 photosynthetic pathway.
Medicinal Uses:
A. spicatum has historically been used in British Columbia to treat multiple medical conditions such as arthritis and sores (3).References: 1. Bluebunch wheatgrass. Retrieved November 23, 2007, from Fact Sheet: Bluebunch Wheatgrass Web site: http://www.unps.org/plant%20data%20base/plant%20sheets/bluebunch.html
2. C3 carbon fixation. (2007, June 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:06, November 30, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=C3_carbon_fixation&oldid=140878147
3. Forestry Images. Retrieved November 25, 2007, from bluebunch wheatgrass Web site: http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?sub=9779
4. Harrison, Sheryl Pseudoregneria spicata. Retrieved November 24, 2007, from Pseudoregneria spicata ssp. Spicata Web site: http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/plantsci/classes/range/pseudoregneria.html
5. PLANTS profile for Pseduoroegneria spicata. Retrieved November 24, 2007, from Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Löve Web site: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PSSP6
6. Smoliak, S. Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook. Retrieved November 24, 2007, from Bluebunch Wheatgrass Web site: http://www.animalrangeextension.montana.edu/articles/forage/Species/Grasses/Bluebunch-wheatgrass.htm