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San Diego needlegrass
Scientific Name: Achnatherum diegoense
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
San Diego County Needle Grass
Learn about the San Diego County Needle Grass, a native perennial grass found in California and beyond.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is a type of needlegrass, and while the text doesn't explicitly mention hazards, the "needle" part of the name might suggest sharp or pointed features.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Achnatherum diegoense (formerly Stipa diegoensis)
- Common Names: San Diego Needlegrass, San Diego County Needlegrass, Nodding Needle Grass
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Synonyms: The plant has been moved between the Achnatherum and Stipa genera. The text mentions several related species switching genera.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native: To the United States, specifically California.
- Location: Found in oak woodlands, open areas, and chaparral at lower elevations in California.
- Specific Locations: San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Cruz Island Reserve, King Creek RNA in San Diego Co.
Ecological Role
- It is a native perennial grass, often found in grasslands alongside other native and non-native species.
- Mentioned as a good substitute for the invasive Mexican needlegrass.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial grass.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Associated species include San Diego bush monkeyflower (Diplacus species).
- In an ecosystem context, it serves as food source for rabbits, birds, and insects (Sun -> Purple Needle Grass -> rabbits, birds, insects).
Further Information
- California Native Plant Society – San Diego Chapter (www.CnPSSD.org)