Common Name: Russian Wildrye
Scientific Name: Psathyrostachys juncea
Native / Introduced: Introduced
Main Uses:
~Tolerates moderate to heavy grazing
~Range, pasture and wildlife habitat improvement
Height: 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Most, prefers loams
Tolerances: Close grazing and drought
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 7-10 inches
Elevation: Up to 6,500 feet
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 4 - 7 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 162,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep
Category: Grass
 
Description:
Russian Wildrye originates from the Russian and Mongolian steppes of central Asia. It is a cool-season bunchgrass with a color range from light green to dark green. Its robust roots can delve up to 10 feet deep under suitable conditions. This grass thrives in fertile soil, particularly loam, and shows moderate tolerance to salt and alkali, as well as drought.
Noteworthy for its nutritional value, Russian Wildrye is favored for grazing by various livestock and wildlife species. Once established, it boasts a prolonged growth season, outcompeting weeds effectively. Its ability to cure on the stem extends grazing availability, greening up early and maintaining palatability well into summer and fall, unlike crested wheat.
Russian Wildrye demonstrates vigorous regrowth post-grazing and withstands close grazing, rendering it versatile for livestock management. Its beneficial characteristics make it a crucial component in range, pasture, and wildlife habitat enhancement endeavors.
 
NRCS Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PSJU3
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_psju3.pdf
Other Resources: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/mtpmctn12310.pdf
 
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin