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shortbristled needlegrass
Scientific Name: Achnatherum brachychaetum
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Needle Grass: A Comprehensive Overview
Needle grass is a common name encompassing various grass species, many characterized by their distinctive bristle-like seed tails, known as "awns." This overview consolidates information from various sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of needle grass and its relatives.
Considerations for Pets
- Several species of needle grass have seeds with sharp bristles or awns. These awns can potentially attach to fur, skin, or clothing.
Considerations for Children
- Some needle grass varieties have bristles that detach similarly to nettles, though without the associated stinging mechanism.
Scientific and Common Names
- Scientific Name: The term "needle grass" refers to multiple species, notably within the Nassella and Stipa genera. Examples include Nassella neesiana, Nassella hyalina, Nassella charruana, Stipa lepida, Stipa trichotoma, Stipa nelsonii, Stipa viridula, and Aristida adscensionis.
- Common Names: Needle grass, Chilean needle grass, Chilean speargrass, spear grass, cane needlegrass, common needle grass, annual bristle grass, six-weeks three-awn grass, short-bristled needlegrass, fine-stemmed needle grass, green needlegrass, purple needlegrass, desert needlegrass, seabeach needlegrass, Richardson's Needle Grass, Columbia needlegrass, porcupine needlegrass, short-spined needle-grass, foothill needle grass.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Mentioned genera include Nassella, Stipa, and Aristida.
- Synonyms and alternative scientific names include: N. neesiana Trin. &. Rupr. and N. megapotamia Spreng. ex.
Distribution and Habitat
- Needle grasses are found in various regions, including western and south-central United States.
- Nassella neesiana (Chilean needle grass) is noted as being introduced from South America.
- Habitats include disturbed shrubland, tall and short tussockland, bare land, and river systems.
- Specific locations mentioned include North Wagga Flats and coastal meadows in California.
Ecological Role
- Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is described as a very invasive tussock grass. It is listed as noxious in class 4 in all.
- Lobed needle grass is a successful competitor with native grasses.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Needle grasses are often described as having bristle-like awns on their seeds. The length of the awn varies by species.
- Growth forms include annuals, short-lived perennials, and tussock-forming perennials.
- Leaves can be covered with short, stiff hairs or bristles.
- Some species have a short ligule (a small flap at the junction of the leaf and stem).
Quirky Facts
- Purple needlegrass may soon be California's state grass.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Seeds can spread short distances by wind and by attachment to wool, fur, clothing, and machinery.