Crested Wheatgrass
Agropyron cristatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, CO, DE, IA and 23 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Crested 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Crested Wheatgrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.