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Lemmon's needlegrass
Scientific Name: Achnatherum lemmonii var. lemmonii
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Lemmon's Needlegrass (Achnatherum lemmonii)
Lemmon's Needlegrass, scientifically known as Achnatherum lemmonii, is a native perennial bunch grass found throughout the western United States. It is named for its spike-like seeds.
Considerations for Pets
- Named for its spike-like seeds.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Achnatherum lemmonii (Vasey) Barkworth
- Common Name: Lemmon's Needlegrass, Lemmon's Stipa, Lemmon Needle Grass
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Genus: Achnatherum
- Species: lemmonii
- Synonyms/Inactive Names: Stipa lemmonii
- Subspecies:
- Achnatherum lemmonii subsp. lemmonii
- Achnatherum lemmonii subsp. pubescens
- Achnatherum lemmonii var. jonesii
- Achnatherum lemmonii var. lemmonii
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America.
- Found throughout the western United States.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, Tracy Hill at Catherine Creek, Arizona, and California.
- Thrives on sunny, dry, low fertility soils.
Ecological Role
- Valued for its soil stabilization and revegetating strengths.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial tufted grass.
- Slow growth habit.
- Grows to an average height of 3 ft (90 cm).
Associations
- Forms communities with Racomitrium canescens on shallow, gravelly soils and rock outcrops.
- Found in grassland areas with purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) and pine bluegrass (Poa secunda).
- Can affect the growth of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata).
Uses
- Desirable cool-season grass.
Further Information
- Updates can be sent to trandolph@csuchico.edu.
- Information available on Garden Guides.