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Thurber's needlegrass
Scientific Name: Achnatherum thurberianum
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Thurber's Needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum)
Thurber's needlegrass, scientifically known as Achnatherum thurberianum, is a native perennial grass found in the western United States.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonym: Stipa thurberiana Piper
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the western United States.
- Observed on prehistoric Bretz Flood sand deposits at the southern base of Steamboat Rock, Steamboat Rock State Park (Washington).
- Plantilla:Plantae Mundi/Lugares/Idaho and Plantilla:Plantae Mundi/Lugares/Montana
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cool-season perennial grass.
- Begins growth early in the spring.
- Goes dormant in early summer.
- May green-up in fall if soil moisture is adequate.
- Distinct seed.
- Ligules are long and almost see-through.
Ecological Role
- Important native grass species.
- Density decreases following spring burns in sites dominated by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum).
- Commonly found with Wyoming big sagebrush.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Hybridizes with Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides).
- Grows with squirreltail (Sitanion hystrix).
- Grazed by livestock.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Dave's Garden
- Garden Guides
- AGRIS