Photo: Oleg KosterinCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Tausch's Goatgrass Plant Care
Aegilops tauschii Coss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the mountains of Central Asia, this plant's striking spikelets of vivid purple awns make it a standout in any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and the challenge of cultivating this rare and beautiful species.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tausch's Goatgrass?
Water Tausch's 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 Tausch's Goatgrass Native To?
What Is the Tausch's Goatgrass?
Tausch's Goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Aegilops genus. Tausch's Goatgrass is native to Crimea, the Caucasus region, western and Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalaya, and parts of China, and has been introduced to other locales, including California. Tausch's Goatgrass is also known as Desert Goatgrass.
Tausch's Goatgrass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Tausch's Goatgrass produces small inconspicuous flowers in dense spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tausch's Goatgrass?
Aegilops tauschii 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 Tausch's Goatgrass Need?
Tausch's Goatgrass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tausch's Goatgrass Prefer?
Aegilops tauschii grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Tausch's Goatgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tausch's Goatgrass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Tausch's Goatgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tausch's Goatgrass?
Feed Tausch's 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 Tausch's 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 Tausch's Goatgrass?
Tausch's Goatgrass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to barbary wild-rye plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tausch's Goatgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tausch's 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 Tausch's Goatgrass?
Tausch's 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 Tausch's Goatgrass Need?
Tausch's Goatgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Tausch's Goatgrass is native to Crimea, the Caucasus region, western and Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalaya, and parts of China, and has been introduced to other locales, including California.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Tausch's 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.
Tausch's 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 tauschii Coss., family Poaceae (first published in Notes Pl. Crit. : 69 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tausch's 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.
- Photo: Oleg Kosterin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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