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Sierra needlegrass
Scientific Name: Achnatherum latiglume
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Achnatherum latiglume: Sierra Needlegrass
Discover the fascinating biology, natural history, and ecological significance of Achnatherum latiglume, a grass species commonly known as Sierra needlegrass or wide-glumed needlegrass.
Common Names
- Sierra needlegrass
- Wide-glumed needlegrass
- Sierra false needlegrass
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Achnatherum latiglume (Swallen) Barkworth
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Synonyms:
- Stipa latiglumis Swallen
- Oryzopsis kingii (Bol.) Beal (for Sierra false needlegrass)
- Stipa kingii Bol. (for Sierra false needlegrass)
Distribution and Habitat
Achnatherum latiglume is endemic to the central and southern Sierra Nevada highlands of California. It thrives in various habitats:
- Forest (Temperate)
- Shrubland (Temperate)
- Grassland
- Wet meadows in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges, California
- Northwest, north and central foothills of the Sierra Nevada, southern Sacramento Valley
- Alpine meadows of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Graminoid growth habit
- Perennial duration (lives for more than two years)
- Bunchgrass
Ecological Role
Achnatherum latiglume plays a vital role in its native ecosystems, including the Sierra Nevada. Other native grasses like Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), Idaho fescue (Festuca) and foothill needlegrass (N. lepida) are confined to California and northern Baja.
Related Species
- Achnatherum lemmonii (lemmon needle grass)
- Achnatherum speciosum (Desert needlegrass)
- Achnatherum occidentale ssp. californicum (California needlegrass)
- Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber's needlegrass)
- Achnatherum nevadense (Sierra needlegrass)