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California Native Plant

Nassella pulchra

Purple Needle Bunch Grass

Plant photo of: Nassella pulchra
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Information by: Jerry sortomme        Photographer: Bert Wilson

 

Description

The Needle Grass is a cool season, bunchgrass that grows 1'-2' tall with graceful, shiny silver tan flower stalks that reach 30" long in the spring. This grass is tolerates drought and is good in mass plantings and for restoration. Purple seed heads give this grass its common name. The Needle Grass is California's State Grass and is a beneficial insect plant.

 

Plant Type

Shrub, Grass

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

n/a

Flower Season

n/a

Leaf Color

Light Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Poor

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Patio, Park, With Rocks

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.