Thickspike goatgrass Plant Care
Aegilops crassa Boiss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, slender leaves are its most distinctive visual feature, with a bright green color that stands out in any collection. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Aegilops crassa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Thickspike goatgrass?
Water Thickspike goatgrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Thickspike goatgrass Native To?
What Is the Thickspike goatgrass?
Thickspike goatgrass (Aegilops crassa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Aegilops genus. Thickspike goatgrass is native to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Tajikistan, Transcaucasia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Thickspike goatgrass is also known as Aegilops tauschii.
Thickspike goatgrass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Thickspike goatgrass produces small inconspicuous flowers in dense spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Thickspike goatgrass?
Aegilops crassa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Thickspike goatgrass Need?
Thickspike goatgrass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Thickspike goatgrass Prefer?
Aegilops crassa grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Thickspike goatgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Thickspike goatgrass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Thickspike goatgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Thickspike goatgrass?
Feed Thickspike goatgrass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Thickspike goatgrass?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Thickspike goatgrass?
Thickspike goatgrass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to barbary wild-rye plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Thickspike goatgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Thickspike goatgrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Thickspike goatgrass?
Thickspike goatgrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Thickspike goatgrass Need?
Thickspike goatgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Thickspike goatgrass is native to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Tajikistan, Transcaucasia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Thickspike goatgrass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aegilops genus — compare its care with other Aegilops species on PlantoScan.
Aegilops is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Thickspike goatgrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aegilops Species
Other Aegilops species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aegilops crassa Boiss., family Poaceae (first published in Exsicc. (Pl. Persiae Austr.) 1842: n.º 248 (1845)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Thickspike goatgrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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