How to Grow and Care for Needlegrasses

Nodding Needlegrass (Nassella cernua) is a kind of bunchgrass native to western North America. It’s listed as a vulnerable species because introduced grasses have encroached on its natural habitat, pushing nodding Needlegrass out. It has minimal water requirements and needs full sun to part sun.

Serrated tussock grass has a long lifespan, lasting over twenty years in the wild. It is commonly found in meadows and pastures, where it has become a pesky weed. Livestock who feed on serrated tussock grass can develop indigestible balls which may lead to death. It is known to be a severe fire hazard, as it burns up to seven times more intensely than native grasses.

Green needlegrass (Nassella viridula) is a tall, drought-tolerant species native to western North America. Livestock, deer, and elk all forage on green needlegrass, and a number of birds use it as cover for their nests.

Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) is a perennial grass with needle-like leaves that have a purple tint when in bloom. Though the grass grows about 1 m tall, its extensive root system can dig as much as 6 m below ground. After blooming, the flowers turn to seeds, which are dispersed by the wind. The roots of purple needlegrass provide food for rabbits and rodents.

American needle-grass is a tussock-forming perennial grass, distinguishable by its feathery, silver-green inflorescences. Typically found in open grasslands, its hardy nature allows it to thrive under a range of conditions. The plant's sleek, needle-like leaves form dense clumps, providing cover and stability to soil, thus preventing erosion. Its robust root system makes american needle-grass resilient and an important species in its native habitat ecosystems.