What Are the Different Names for Wheatgrass?

Triticum

• Triticum is a genus of grain-producing grasses with hollow stems and edible seed heads. The most common of these is Triticum aestevium, which is common wheat. This grass is used to make flour and is an ingredient in many American foods. The other grain wheat grasses are T. timopheevi, T. turgidum and T. monococcum. The leaves of this genus are long and slender, and when not allowed to seed, are used for the foliage, primarily in health foods and drinks.

Agropyron

• The genus Agropyron is a group of native prairie grasses spread throughout North America. Agropyron cristatum is also called crested wheatgrass and is a bunching grass used in lawns. There are also several varieties of Western wheatgrass which are classified under the genus Pascopyrum, for which Agropyron is a synonym. Reclassification of plants is common in modern botany with the assistance of DNA, which can help pinpoint plant relationships more clearly than previous methods. Western wheatgrass is a taller bunching grass that needs full sun and can survive a variety of conditions.

Elymus

• Elymus is a genus of ryegrasses or wild rye. The grasses encompass several species called wheatgrass. Alaskan wheatgrass, Siberian wheatgrass, Montana wheatgrass, Tufted and Slender wheatgrasses are all in the Elymus genus. These grasses are considered cereal grasses and are useful browse and forage for ruminants and wild animals. The grasses are flatter and wider than those in the species Triticum. Many of these grasses also grow wild in North America.

Wheatgrass for Health

• The wheatgrass used for its foliar benefits has a history over 5,000 years old. The plant supposedly gave vitality and vigor to those that consumed the fresh young, green shoots. The plant has numerous phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, that it passes along. It is high in vitamins A, B, C and E plus amino acids. Those that tout the benefits believe it helps aid digestion, treats constipation, detoxifies and cleanses and improves overall health. The grass is 70 percent chlorophyll, which releases carotenoids for energy and well-being.