SafePlants

Columbia Needlegrass (Achnatherum nelsonii)

Achnatherum nelsonii, commonly known as Columbia needlegrass, subalpine needlegrass, or western needlegrass, is a native grass found throughout much of the Western United States and Canada.

Considerations for Pets

• Animals sometimes avoid grazing needlegrass.
• The plant is referred to as needlegrass, which may indicate the presence of sharp or pointed structures.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Achnatherum nelsonii (Scribn.) Barkworth
• Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)
• Synonyms: Stipa columbiana, Stipa nelsonii
• Subspecies:
  • Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. nelsonii
  • Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei

Distribution and Habitat

• Columbia needlegrass grows throughout most of the West, from Yukon and British Columbia east to western South Dakota and south to western Texas.
• It is a mountain grass that grows at elevations from 5,000 to 12,500 feet.
• It thrives in areas with more than 15 inches of precipitation per year.
• It typically grows in open areas.

Ecological Role

• Columbia needlegrass is a valuable forage source for livestock and wildlife in spring and early summer.
• It can be part of specific plant communities, such as the Columbia needlegrass-spreading phlox-stiff sagebrush community.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant is described as a fine-stemmed, cool-season, erect grass.
• It is a perennial graminoid, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Additional Information

• Dormant seeds of Columbia needlegrass had germination enhanced by GA3 (Gibberellic acid) and KNO3 (Potassium nitrate) enrichment.
• Seed production is often greater on burned areas compared to unburned areas.

Further Resources

• Oregon State University (OSU) Extension
• USDA Plant Database
• Dave's Garden