Needlegrass
Achnatherum sibiricum
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Nepal, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan
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Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Achnatherum
- Species:
- Achnatherum sibiricum
- USDA Symbol:
- STSI8
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, golden
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Typical cool-season bunchgrass that resprouts from crown after fire. Common in fire-prone steppe ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Germinates best with light exposure at surface. Seeds benefit from cold stratification to break dormancy.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI