Needle And Thread
Hesperostipa comata
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © brucebennett (iNaturalist #47195352)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Hesperostipa
- Species:
- Hesperostipa comata
- USDA Symbol:
- HECO26
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Hesperostipa comata is a cool-season bunchgrass that can increase after fire due to reduced competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in prairies and open plains
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Germination occurs at 27 C (80.6 F) or pretreated with 90 days cool/moist (38F) stratification in order to break dormancy.
Establishment: H. comata is found from the Yukon east and south to Indiana and south and west through the Rocky mountain and Intermountain States to Texas, New Mexico, and California. Also, most of the United States (excluding the Southeastern quadrant) and all of Canada.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)