Needlegrass
Stipa caucasica
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, North Caucasus, Russia, Sinai, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Arkadiusz Nowak, Marcin Nobis, Sylwia Nowak, Agnieszka Nobis, Anna Wróbel, Sebastian Świerszcz, Ewelina Klichowska, Iwona Dembicz & Grzegorz Kusza,Muller-Sealey Company,,Vaughan's Seed Company Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,O.V. Zangen (Firm) Zangen, O. V Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,Philadelphia, Pa. : Henry A. Dreer,Lindemann, Eduard Emanuilovich, 1825-1900,Henry F. Michell Co,Vaughan's Seed Company Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,Quedlinburg, Germany : Fredrick Roemer,Lavin, Fred,
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Stipa
- Species:
- Stipa caucasica
- USDA Symbol:
- STCA35
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- green, cream
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, gold
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from base after fire; adapted to periodic burning in steppe grasslands.
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:
- native to steppe regions, prefers open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Germinates best with cool temperatures and light. Cold stratification improves germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.