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• WESTERN WHEATGRASS: AGROPYRON SMITHII RYDB. <br />This perennial non-weedy native grows in dry-moist sites between <br />3,600 and 10,000 feet. Growth on sandy loam is fair and on loam and <br />clay loam it is good. Better growth occurs on gentle and moderate <br />slopes and is only fair on steep ones. Erosion control potential for <br />western wheatgrasa is high and establishment requirements are medium. <br />Short term revegetation potential is medium and long term is high. This <br />species is rated high for potential biomass production. Deer and game <br />birds receive fair cover and small maimnals and non-game birds receive <br />good cover from this plant. Elk, deer, non-game birds and small mammals <br />obtain fair food value from western wheatgrass. Forage palatability for <br />cattle is good and sheep fair. Energy value is rated good while protein <br />• is fair. <br />ALFALFA: MEDICAGO SATIVA L. <br />This European introduction is growing in Colorado from 4,500 to <br />8,500 feet in moist sites. Alfalfa is a nitrogen fixer and an indicator <br />of mechanical disturbance. It is classified as colonizing in terms of <br />weediness. This plant reproduces sexually. It is a minor poisoner of <br />livestock under certain conditions. Alfalfa contains saponins which <br />cause lysis of cells. Bloat may occur when large quantities of alfalfa <br />are consumed by cattle, and the saponin content of the plant may in part <br />be at fault. Alfalfa ie not generally considered a poisonous plant on <br />this account. Photosensitization may be another undesirable effect <br />which may result from ingestion of large amounts of alfalfa by <br />• livestock. In general, alfalfa photosensitizations are mild. At low <br />Mid-term '9d 4.4-A-20 September 15,1994 <br />