Exploring the Other Names for Wheatgrass

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Often dubbed "green blood" for its high chlorophyll content, the popular health food known as wheatgrass has several other names you may encounter. This nutrient-dense young grass is derived from the common wheat plant and is known by various scientific and alternate monikers.

Quick Summary

This article details the various scientific and common names for wheatgrass, including its botanical designation, Triticum aestivum, and the popular moniker "green blood". It also clarifies the different terms associated with the young grass of the wheat plant, which is distinct from mature wheat grain.

Key Points

Botanical Name: Wheatgrass is scientifically known as Triticum aestivum, the same species as common bread wheat.
"Green Blood": It is widely nicknamed "green blood" due to its exceptionally high chlorophyll content and the structural similarity of chlorophyll to human hemoglobin.
Alternate Monikers: Other common names include Agropyre, Blé en Herbe (Green Wheat), and Brote del Trigo (Wheat Sprout).
Not all Wheatgrass is the Same: Varied wheatgrass species exist, such as Western wheatgrass or Crested wheatgrass, which belong to different genera and are botanically distinct from the supplement-grade variety.
Different Forms, Different Names: The product can also be distinguished by its form, such as fresh wheatgrass juice, powdered wheatgrass, or wheatgrass capsules.
Distinction from Barley Grass: Despite similarities, wheatgrass differs from barley grass (Hordeum vulgare) in nutritional aspects like protein and fiber content.

Scientific and Botanical Names of Wheatgrass

When discussing wheatgrass in scientific or taxonomic terms, its primary name is derived from the plant it originates from: the common wheat plant. This is a crucial point, as it clarifies its identity and separates it from other, unrelated grasses that may share parts of its common name. The official botanical name for wheatgrass is Triticum aestivum. A scientific monograph may also list other related or synonymous classifications, such as Triticum sativum or Frumentum triticum. It is important to note that specific varieties, such as Western wheatgrass or Crested wheatgrass, belong to different plant genera entirely, though they are colloquially named after wheat.

Why are there different scientific names?

Taxonomic classification can be complex and evolve over time, leading to multiple scientific names appearing in different sources. Some terms might refer to subspecies or have been used historically before revisions were made. For example, Triticum sativum is a historical synonym for the common wheat species. This nuance is part of the reason it's important to consult reliable sources when investigating the precise origin of a plant supplement.

Common and Colloquial Names for Wheatgrass

Beyond its scientific classification, wheatgrass has acquired several common names and nicknames, primarily due to its appearance and purported health benefits.

"Green Blood"

Perhaps the most famous nickname for wheatgrass is "green blood". This name stems from the high concentration of chlorophyll it contains, which gives it a vibrant green color and has a molecular structure similar to hemoglobin in human blood. While this similarity is often highlighted, it is not a direct substitute for hemoglobin, but the nickname has stuck and is widely used in health food circles.

Alternate Common Names

Depending on regional differences or specific contexts, wheatgrass may also be referred to by other names, including:

Agropyre
Blé en Herbe (French for "green wheat")
Bread Wheat
Brote del Trigo (Spanish for "wheat sprout")
Common Wheat

These alternate names often highlight the source plant or the growth stage of the grass, such as "Brote del Trigo," which emphasizes that it is a sprout. The name "Bread Wheat" links it directly to the common species used for flour production.

Processing and Forms of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is not just a fresh product. It is available in various forms, and its preparation influences its characteristics. This processing explains why you might find it under different product descriptions.

Fresh Wheatgrass Juice: This is the raw juice extracted directly from the freshly cut blades of grass. It has a very distinct, earthy taste and is often consumed as a concentrated "shot".
Wheatgrass Powder: The grass can be dried using methods like vacuum or microwave drying and then ground into a fine powder. This offers a more convenient, longer-lasting way to consume wheatgrass, as the powder can be added to smoothies or water.
Tablets and Capsules: For those who dislike the taste, wheatgrass is also available in tablet or capsule form, providing a concentrated dose of the nutrients without the strong flavor.

Wheatgrass vs. Barley Grass: A Comparison

While the focus is on wheatgrass, it is frequently compared to another young cereal grass, barley grass. Understanding the differences is key, as they are not the same and have distinct nutritional profiles.


Feature	Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum)	Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare)
Source Plant	Young shoots of the common wheat plant.	Young shoots of the barley plant.
Protein Content	Generally higher protein content per 100g.	Lower in protein compared to wheatgrass.
Fiber Content	Lower fiber compared to barley grass.	Higher dietary fiber content per 100g, beneficial for digestion.
Chlorophyll	High concentration of chlorophyll.	Also contains chlorophyll.
Alkalizing Effect	Considered to have a stronger alkalizing effect.	Has a gentler alkalizing effect.

The "Why" Behind the Names

The different names for wheatgrass reflect its journey from a young cereal sprout to a health supplement. The scientific name, Triticum aestivum, provides precision and taxonomic context, while common names like "green blood" offer a more descriptive and memorable way to communicate its characteristics. Many of these names originated in holistic medicine and natural health practices, where its high nutrient density was first recognized and popularized. This variety of names isn't a sign of confusion but rather a testament to its widespread recognition and versatile uses.

Conclusion

Wheatgrass is known by various names, including its scientific botanical name, Triticum aestivum, and the popular nickname "green blood". These different monikers reflect its rich history in health and nutrition, highlighting both its origin from the common wheat plant and its vibrant, chlorophyll-dense appearance. Understanding these various names helps clarify its identity and distinguish it from other cereal grasses like barley grass. While it has become a staple in the superfood world, recognizing its different names provides a more complete picture of this nutritional powerhouse.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For specific health concerns, consult a healthcare professional. For more scientific detail on the therapeutic properties, refer to reviews such as Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum): a miraculous microgreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wheatgrass is often called 'green blood' because it contains a high concentration of chlorophyll, which has a molecular structure very similar to hemoglobin in human blood. This vibrant green color and unique composition led to the popular nickname.

The scientific name for wheatgrass, which is derived from the common wheat plant, is Triticum aestivum. This is the same species used for producing bread.

Yes, some other common or alternate names include Agropyre, Blé en Herbe (Green Wheat), Bread Wheat, and Brote del Trigo (Wheat Sprout).

No, wheatgrass and barley grass are different, though both are young cereal grasses. Wheatgrass comes from the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), while barley grass comes from the barley plant (Hordeum vulgare). They have different nutritional profiles.

Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) is a specific plant species that is botanically different from the common wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) typically sold as a health supplement. The names can be confusing, but they refer to distinct plants.

While the core name is the same, the form is often specified. You will see products labeled as "wheatgrass juice" or "wheatgrass powder," indicating their processing method rather than a fundamentally different name for the grass itself.

Yes, it can be confused. Wheatgrass is the sprouted leaves of the wheat plant, not the mature wheat grain or wheat bran. Wheatgrass is generally considered gluten-free due to being harvested before the seed forms, unlike the grain.

The use of multiple scientific names, such as Triticum sativum, can occur due to historical taxonomy or different classification systems. For practical health purposes, Triticum aestivum is the widely recognized species for wheatgrass.