Hesperostipa comata, commonly known as needle-and-thread grass, is a species of grass native to North America, especially the western third. It has a wide distribution spanning from northern Canada to Mexico.. The seeds of this grass have hygroscopic extensions that bend with changes in humidity, enabling them to disperse over the ground. Needle-and-thread grass is good forage during the spring before seeds develop and again during the fall after seeds have dropped, especially after fall rains. It is choice feed for deer during the spring, and elk in the winter, providing a good source of energy. It cures well to provide fall and winter forage for livestock.
Hesperostipa comata (Needleandthread Grass) Minnesota Wildflowers
Needle-and-thread Grass is a common grass of the Great Plains and reaches the eastern edge of its native range in Minnesota; it's considered introduced farther east. General Description Needle-and-thread grass is a native bunchgrass commonly identified by its long, twisted and curly seed awns. Leaves are narrow and 5-30 cm long - although shorter basal growth is common. Needle-and-thread grass is found throughout the prairies in many native plant communities. Type Native grass. Origin Mixed grass prairie. Description This perennial bunchgrass is similar to needle-and-thread grass, but it has longer, wider, paler leaves. It can reach over a metre in height. The roots are known to reach 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) deep into the soil. The inflorescence is a panicle of spikelets. Hesperostipa comata, commonly known as needle-and-thread grass, is a species of grass native to and widely distributed throughout North America. This plant grows to 25 inches tall. It is a bunchgrass, meaning it grows in clumps.
Needle and thread grass Hesperostipa comata CAJC in the PNW Flickr
Needle and thread is a native, cool-season, perennial bunch grass. It ranges in height from 1 to 4 feet. It has narrow basal leaves with the blade usually rolled inward, 3 to 12 inches long. Hesperostipa is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. Members of the genus are commonly known as needle-and-thread grass or needlegrass. [2] The Hesperostipa species, formerly called Stipa, are endemic to North America. The new name adds Classical Greek: ἕσπερος, romanized: hesperos, lit. 'western', as other Stipa species are found. The story of the western range written as a chapter in the history of the land areas in the United States would be a dark and tragic tale. Known at first chiefly as a wide and desolate obstacle to the gold fields, the "Great American Des- ert" became suddenly the source of other great wealth-livestock. Common Name: Needle-and-Thread Grass Scientific Name: Stipa comata Family: Grass Family (Poaceae) Distribution: Widely distributed in western and central North America. The awns are the "threads" of needle-and-thread, while the slender, sharp-pointed brown one- seeded fruits are the "needles". These may be hand-stripped from the plants once.
Hesperostipa comata (Needleandthread Grass) Minnesota Wildflowers
Hesperostipa comata, commonly known as needle-and-thread grass, is a species of grass native to North America, especially the western third. It has a wide distribution spanning from northern Canada to Mexico. Sources and Credits What is Needlegrass? Needlegrass grows early in the season and retains greenery well into the cool period. It is a long lived perennial much prized to prevent erosion. It is also used to reestablish depleted green spaces. The grass provides cover for many animals and is high in protein when ingested early in the season.
Hesperostipa comata, commonly known as needle-and-thread grass, is a species of grass native to North America, especially the western third. It has a wide distribution spanning from northern Canada to Mexico. Needle & thread grass, Needle and thread, Needlegrass. Hesperostipa comata is a perennial grasslike herb that is native to California, and also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. This plant is available commercially. USDA PLANTS Profile (HECO26)
Hesperostipa "Needles and ThreadGrass" Sarastro Stauden
The herb layer is dominated by needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata), with brittle prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia fragilis), red three-awn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), and sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus). The moss layer may contain a low percent cover of Tortula ruralis. This community at climax is expected to have a moderate Poaceae Barnhart - Grass family P: Genus: Hesperostipa (Elias) Barkworth - needle and thread P: Species: Hesperostipa comata (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth - needle and thread P: Subspecies: Hesperostipa comata (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth ssp. comata - needle and thread P
