Revegetation Guidelines for Western Montana - Global Restoration ...

Rocky Mountain penstemon 4 (Penstemon strictus), and lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) are
native forbs that perform well in disturbed areas and as erosion control species. ‘Ephraim’
crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), a non-native bunchgrass, is a variety selected for its
rhizomatous growth habit. This wheatgrass is well suited for soil stabilization, but its use in
natural areas is not advised given its aggressive and invasive characteristics. Grass-like plants
such as sedges (Carex spp.), spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), bulrushes
(Scirpus spp.), and cattails (Typha latifolia) are helpful for erosion control in riparian areas. See
Tables 2 and 3 for other recommended species with soil stabilizing growth forms.
Quick establishment is critical when selecting species to minimize soil erosion. Annual ryegrass
(Lolium multiflorum) or small grains establish very quickly to provide rapid protection and are
non-persisting. Regreen and triticale are sterile, hybrid crosses that reduce wind and water
erosion and are also quick establishing and non-persisting. Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis)
is a native, cool season, perennial bunchgrass, often included in seed mixtures for rapid
establishment of protective cover. Comfort and Wiersum (2000) recommend slender wheatgrass
(Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus), a quick establishing native bunchgrass, at 20 to 40
percent of the seed mix in wildfire-affected cases. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a good
choice for protection and cover into the spring but can be moderately competitive to establishing
perennials.
4 Care should be taken to avoid hybridization with Lehmi penstemon (Penstemon lemhiensis), a sensitive plant that
is imperiled in the State. Contact the Montana Natural Heritage Program (406.444.3009) for information on
recorded occurrences of this plant in your area. Avoid seeding Rocky Mountian penstemon if Lehmi penstemon
occurs in your area.
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