Pascopyrum

{{Short description|Genus of grass}} {{One source|date=September 2023}} {{Speciesbox |image = Pascopyrum smithii NRCS-2.jpg |display_parents = 4 |genus = Pascopyrum |parent_authority = Á.Löve |species = smithii |authority = (Rydb.) Á.Löve }}

'''''Pascopyrum''''' is a monotypic genus of grass containing the sole species '''''Pascopyrum smithii''''', which is known by the common names '''western wheatgrass''' and '''red-joint wheatgrass''', after the red coloration of the nodes. It is native to North America.

==Distribution== This is a sod-forming rhizomatous perennial grass which is native and common throughout most of North America. It grows in grassland and prairie in the Great Plains, where it is sometimes the dominant grass species. It is the state grass of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

==Ecology== It is a valuable forage for animals such as bison and black-tailed prairie dogs, and it is good for grazing livestock.<ref name=fs>[http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/passmi/all.html US Forest Service Fire Ecology]</ref> It is used for revegetation of disturbed and overgrazed habitat, and many cultivars have been developed to suit various conditions,<ref name=fs/> including low-maintenance lawns. Wheatgrass generally tolerates mowing to four inches, but does not tolerate shade. Healthy stands may crowd out other species, making it more suitable for monoculture plantings.

== Potential phytoremediation == ''Pascopyrum smithii'' has been genetically modified with bacterial genes to degrade RDX and detoxify TNT, explosives commonly found on military ranges. These engineered plants outperform wild-types in removing contaminants and resisting toxicity. This marks the first successful transformation of this species for sustainable cleanup of explosive residues.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zhang |first=Long |last2=Rylott |first2=Elizabeth L. |last3=Bruce |first3=Neil C. |last4=Strand |first4=Stuart E. |date=2019-04-01 |title=Genetic modification of western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) for the phytoremediation of RDX and TNT |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00425-018-3057-9 |journal=Planta |language=en |volume=249 |issue=4 |pages=1007–1015 |doi=10.1007/s00425-018-3057-9 |issn=1432-2048|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8738,9168,9169 Jepson Manual Treatment] *[http://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile?symbol=PASM&mapType=nativity USDA Plants Profile] *[http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Pascopyrum+smithii Photo gallery]

Category:Pooideae Category:Monotypic Poaceae genera Category:Grasses of the United States Category:Grasses of Canada Category:Flora of Northern America Category:Native grasses of California Category:Symbols of Wyoming Category:Symbols of North Dakota Category:Symbols of South Dakota