Goatgrass: An Unusual Grass with Limited Garden Appeal
If you’ve stumbled across the name goatgrass (Aegilops speltoides) in your plant research, you might be wondering whether this grass belongs in your garden. While the name might sound charmingly rustic, this particular species is more of a botanical curiosity than a garden superstar. Let’s dive into what makes this grass tick and whether it deserves a spot in your landscape.
What is Goatgrass?
Goatgrass is an annual grass that belongs to the same family as wheat, barley, and other important cereal grains. In fact, it’s closely related to wheat and plays an important role in wheat breeding programs and genetic research. However, don’t expect the lush, ornamental appeal you might get from other ornamental grasses – this one’s more about function than form.
Where Does Goatgrass Come From?
This grass isn’t native to North America. It originally hails from the Mediterranean region, Middle East, and parts of Asia, where it grows wild in dry, rocky soils and disturbed areas. As a non-native species, it doesn’t have the deep ecological connections that make native plants so valuable for supporting local wildlife.
Should You Grow Goatgrass in Your Garden?
Here’s where we need to have an honest conversation. While goatgrass isn’t necessarily harmful, it doesn’t offer much for the typical home gardener either. This grass lacks the ornamental pizzazz of popular landscape grasses and doesn’t provide significant benefits to pollinators or wildlife.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re determined to grow goatgrass for research purposes or botanical interest, here’s what you need to know:
- Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soils
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Grows as an annual, completing its life cycle in one growing season
- Requires minimal care and can handle poor soils
Seeds can be direct-sown in fall or early spring, and the plants will self-seed readily if conditions are right.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of goatgrass, consider these native alternatives that offer much more for your garden ecosystem:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – gorgeous fall color and wildlife benefits
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) – excellent drought-tolerant lawn alternative
- Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) – California’s state grass with elegant seed heads
- Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) – attractive seed heads and excellent for dry sites
The Bottom Line
While goatgrass has its place in the plant kingdom – particularly in scientific research – it’s not the best choice for most home gardens. Its limited ornamental value and lack of wildlife benefits make it a less appealing option compared to native grasses that can provide beauty, support local ecosystems, and still handle tough growing conditions.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass for your landscape, stick with native options that will give you more bang for your buck while supporting the local environment. Your garden – and the wildlife that visits it – will thank you for it!
