Nodding Needlegrass

Nassella cernua

Nodding Needlegrass

Anthony Valois and the National Park Service

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Nassella
Species:
Nassella cernua

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug

Native Range

United States: California, Hawaii

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are surface sterilized with either a 5 to 15 minute Physan fungicide soak or a 3 minute 5% bleach solution prior to testing or sowing.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected when fully matured, usually in late July and early August. Nodding Needlegrass is found throughout southern California and is rare on Catalina Island. It inhabits dry or eroded clayey or grassy slopes.

Source: npn.rngr.net