Nassella pulchra
Purple Needle Bunch Grass
Description
The Needle Grass is a cool season, bunchgrass that grows 1'-2' tall with graceful, shiny silver tan flower stalks that reach 30" long in the spring. This grass is tolerates drought and is good in mass plantings and for restoration. Purple seed heads give this grass its common name. The Needle Grass is California's State Grass and is a beneficial insect plant.
Plant Type
Shrub, Grass
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Light Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Poor
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland
Accenting Features
Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Patio, Park, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
Wildlife
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.