Foothill Needlegrass
Nassella lepida
- Native to:
- Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © catchang (iNaturalist #25029387)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Nassella
- Species:
- Nassella lepida
- USDA Symbol:
- NALE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from basal crown after fire; fire can stimulate seed germination.
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
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: 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
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)