Buffer Strip

Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Golf Course: Shadow Mountain Golf Course

Ecological Zone: Montane Cordillera

Grass Species: Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)

Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Shadow Mountain Golf Course in Cranbrook, BC is located in the Ecological Zone of the Montane Cordillera. This zone runs throughout most of British Columbia with the exceotion of the coast and the northern area. Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) is a native species found in this region and is a good choice to use along the edges of ponds in the no mow zones. This variety of native grass has an extensive root system with strong tillers to help absorb any nutrients that may wash off due to moisture and other factors. This will be grown in out-of-bounds areas and on pond edges to help filter the water that enters the waterways on the course.

This grass will grow to a height of 4 feet, which means that it will be used in out of play areas and areas that will not impede a shot. Bluebunch Wheatgrass is very competitive against weedy plants which will help to not create the buffer strip a thicket. The grass best grows on medium to coarse textured soils and the seed should be planted at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This variety is pretty easy to maintain and does not require much work. To keep the buffer strip looking nice, pulling weeds will have to be done only if weeds are present. And as said before, this plant is very aggressive against weedy plants. At Shadow Mountain Golf Course, all of the ponds do have buffer strips in place already which is very convenient. There shouldn't be any reason to bring in a new species when the buffer strip is in place.

Locations where Bluebunch Wheatgrass is found

Shadow Mountain Golf Course with defined Buffer Strips

References: https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_pssp6.pdf