Needlegrass

Stipa krylovii

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

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High

Garden & Ecology Notes

Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Adapted to periodic fire in steppe ecosystems; can resprout after light burns.

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:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in fall or after cold treatment.