Foothill Needlegrass

Nassella lepida

Foothill Needlegrass

Anthony Valois, National Park Service

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

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

Native Range

United States: California

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to California chaparral and coastal scrub

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Surface sterilize seed coats with a 5 minute Physan fungicide soak or a 3 minute 5% bleach solution prior to sowing.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected when fully matured, typically from late May to June. The plant is native to southern California and the channel islands, inhabiting dry, rocky slopes and bluffs.

Source: npn.rngr.net