Foothill Needlegrass
(Nassella lepida)
Foothill Needlegrass (Nassella lepida)
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Millie Basden
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Millie Basden
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Millie Basden | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Millie Basden | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-26T05:47:21-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nassella lepida, commonly known as Foothill Needlegrass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the diverse ecosystems of California, including chaparral, oak woodlands, and grasslands, as well as parts of Northwestern Mexico. This bunchgrass typically grows up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall, with flat or rolled leaf blades that can reach up to 9 inches (23 centimeters) long. The inflorescences are narrow and erect, with a distinctive, feathery appearance that adds texture to the landscape. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are not particularly showy, but they do produce an abundance of seeds that are valuable for wildlife.
Foothill Needlegrass is appreciated for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and restoration projects. Its adaptability to different light conditions, from full sun to full shade, allows for versatile use in garden design. While it requires minimal maintenance, it is important to note that this grass can self-seed and may spread in the garden if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Foothill Needlegrass is appreciated for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and restoration projects. Its adaptability to different light conditions, from full sun to full shade, allows for versatile use in garden design. While it requires minimal maintenance, it is important to note that this grass can self-seed and may spread in the garden if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, oak woodlands, and grasslands in California and parts of Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Foothills Nassella, Foothill Stipa, Small-Flowered Stipa, Small-Flowered Needlegrass, Smallflower Tussockgrass
Scientific Names: , Nassella lepida, Stipa lepida, Stipa lepida var. andersonii, Stipa lepida var. lepida, Stipa eminens var. andersonii, Stipa hassei, Stipa eminens subsp. andersonii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Nassella lepida (Hitchc.) Barkworth