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(Stipa comata)
Needle And Thread (Stipa comata)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
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Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Stipa comata, commonly known as Needle And Thread, is an evergreen perennial grass native to open prairies, grasslands, and dry open areas in the Western and Central USA, extending into parts of Canada and northern Mexico. It typically grows to about 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in height. The plant features a narrow inflorescence up to 28 cm (11 inches) long, with mature spikelets bearing spiraling, hairy, spear-shaped awns up to 19 cm (7+1⁄2 inches) in length. These awns are hygroscopic, responding to changes in humidity to facilitate seed dispersal. As the awn twists and untwists with moisture fluctuations, it drills the seed into the soil, ensuring successful germination.
Needle And Thread grass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its bunching habit and deep root system. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is low-maintenance, it is important to note that the sharp awns can be a nuisance in areas of human and pet activity.CC BY-SA 4.0
Needle And Thread grass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its bunching habit and deep root system. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is low-maintenance, it is important to note that the sharp awns can be a nuisance in areas of human and pet activity.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 0.1-0.2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open prairies, grasslands, and dry open areas
Other Names
Common Names: Needle-And-Thread Grass
Scientific Names: , Stipa comata, Hesperostipa comata, Hesperostipa comata subsp. intermedia, Stipa comata var. intermedia, Stipa comata subsp. intonsa, Stipa tweedyi, Stipa comata var. suksdorfii, Stipa comata var. falcata, Stipa spartea var. intermedia
GBIF Accepted Name: Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr.