Ornamental Wheat Grass Seed Varieties

Copper Wheat

• One type of ornamental wheat grass is copper wheat. It is medium in size, growing to reach roughly 3 feet in height. It is dark green throughout the summer, but autumn causes it turn a deep coppery red, adding color to a bland landscape. Its sturdy stem build allows it to remain standing throughout the fall and winter.

Black Bearded Wheat

• An interesting annual grass also reaching roughly 3 feet tall, this grass earns its unusual name through an unusual growth habit. Otherwise pale, tawny seed heads begin to turn dark as the summer becomes hot. They turn reddish brown to black in late summer. Though the stems of this grass are slender, it is extremely drought hardy.

Tall Wheatgrass

• Mostly used for pasture and hay lands, tall wheat grass has been adapted for use along roadsides in the United States where other plants often have difficulty growing. This ornamental use of wheat grass prevents erosion and requires little to no maintenance. There are many variations of tall wheat grass, but they are perennial and grow from 1 to 3 feet in height, are suited to poor soils, are drought-hardy and provide valued food and cover for local wildlife.

Other Types

• Any wheat grass may be used as an ornamental if you like the look of it and have an area suited for growing it. Some other varieties to consider include critana thickspike, western, snake river, Goldar blue bunch, slender, pubescent, intermediate and streambank wheat grass. Always check soil quality and climate and match your choice of ornamental grasses with these factors for best results.