Experiments were conducted on four semiarid range sites to compare stand es
tablishment, productivity, and persistence of several introduced perennial
Triticeae grasses with that of their native counterparts. On Intermountain
sites with severe water limitations (< 300 mm), native grasses were more di
fficult to establish, less productive, and less persistent than the introdu
ced grasses. Stands of native grasses declined most rapidly under defoliati
on. At locations where moisture conditions were more favorable, particularl
y where more summer precipitation occurred, native Triticeae grasses establ
ished and persisted relatively well compared with the introduced entries. A
lthough difficult to establish, stands of the rhizomatous native, western w
heatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Love] increased during the seasons
after establishment. Choice of plant materials to be used in range seeding
programs should be based on objective criteria. To do otherwise will perpe
tuate degradation of soil resources, especially on sites that are dominated
by weedy annual species such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahea
d rye (taeniatherum asperum). It is proposed that adapted introduced grasse
s be equally considered along with native grasses as a component of seed mi
xtures on environmentally harsh sites that have been burned, infested with
competitive weedy species, or otherwise degraded.