Crested Wheatgrass
Agropyron cristatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Crested Wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Crested Wheatgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native alternatives to Crested Wheatgrass
Crested Wheatgrass is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCrested wheatgrass is a cool-season bunch grass that forms dense, upright clumps with blue-green foliage. It produces distinctive wheat-like seed heads in late spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant grass maintains its color well through most of the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Crested Wheatgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Seed heads may look too agricultural for some formal settings
Wildlife value
Primarily provides seed for birds and small mammals rather than supporting pollinators. The dense growth offers nesting habitat and cover for ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Crested Wheatgrass need?
- Crested Wheatgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Crested Wheatgrass bloom?
- Crested Wheatgrass blooms in May and June.
- Is Crested Wheatgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Crested Wheatgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Crested Wheatgrass HOA-friendly?
- Crested Wheatgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Crested Wheatgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz