Needlegrass

Stipa krylovii

Native to:
China, India, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Nepal, Russia, Tadzhikistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Stipa
Species:
Stipa krylovii
USDA Symbol:
STKR

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
tan, straw
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from basal buds following fire; typical of Central Asian steppe grasslands adapted to periodic burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
dry, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
adapted to steppe and semi-desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI