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Lemmon's needlegrass

Scientific Name: Achnatherum lemmonii

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Lemmon's Needlegrass (Achnatherum lemmonii)

Achnatherum lemmonii, commonly known as Lemmon's needlegrass or Lemmon's stipa, is a native perennial bunchgrass found throughout the western United States.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is named for its "spike-like seeds" and is also referred to as "needlegrass" so seeds can potentially be hazardous if lodged in a pet's fur or skin.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Achnatherum lemmonii (Vasey) Barkworth
  • Common Names: Lemmon's needlegrass, Lemmon's stipa
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Genus: Achnatherum
  • Species: lemmonii
  • Subspecies: Several subspecies and varieties are documented, including:
    • Achnatherum lemmonii subsp. lemmonii
    • Achnatherum lemmonii subsp. pubescens
    • Achnatherum lemmonii var. jonesii
    • Achnatherum lemmonii var. lemmonii
  • Synonyms: Stipa lemmonii (inactive name)
  • Note: Some sources may still refer to it as Stipa lemmonii, although Achnatherum lemmonii is the accepted name.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America.
  • Found throughout the western United States.
  • Observed in locations such as the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, and Tracy Hill at Catherine Creek.
  • Also found in Arizona and California.
  • Grows in northern, southern, and central regions (specific regions not identified).
  • Thrives on sunny, dry, low fertility soils.
  • Occupies shallow, gravelly soils and rock outcrops in some communities.

Ecological Role

  • Valued for soil stabilization and revegetating strengths.
  • Used in bluebunch wheatgrass restoration projects.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial tufted grass.
  • Perennial graminoid.
  • Bunchgrass.
  • Grows slowly.
  • Average height of 3 ft (90 cm).

Quirky Facts

  • Named for its spike-like seeds, giving rise to the common name "needlegrass."

Further Information

  • Updates and information can be found by contacting trandolph@csuchico.edu (as of 3/1/2011).