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Slender Wheatgrass

Agropyron trachycaulum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Slender Wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum)
Photo: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

NC

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Slender wheatgrass is a native bunch grass that forms upright clumps with narrow blue-green leaves. It produces delicate seed heads in late spring and summer, adding texture and movement to the landscape while requiring minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Wheatgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Appears wild and unmaintained to conventional standards
  • Seed heads can look messy as they mature
  • May be perceived as agricultural rather than ornamental

Wildlife value

This grass provides important habitat and food for ground-nesting birds and small mammals. The seeds attract various songbirds, particularly finches and sparrows.

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 Slender Wheatgrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.