1. * Desert Needlegrass – Achnatherum speciosum
(ak-nath-EER-um spee-see-OH-sum)
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Native to: Southwestern deserts to S. America; grows on dry rocky hills, talus slopes and canyons
in Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland, Chaparral.
Growth characteristics: perennial bunchgrass
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Cool-season perennial bunchgrass with extremely fine (almost threadlike) foliage in basal clumps.
Foliage turns from gray-green in spring and summer, to rich tans and light browns in fall/winter. In
nature usually grow as individual plants – somewhat like ornamental grasses.
Blooms Apr-May. Many flowering stalks above the foliage. Flowers/seed heads
are very showy with long awns (like a bent, twisted tail). Seeds can lodge in animal’s ears, mouths.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most appropriate as a drought-tolerant ornamental grass. Good for dry banks
and along paths but does not take trampling.
Nice for rock or desert-themed gardens.
somewhat like a miniature Pampas Grass. Seeds are edible.
Looks
Sensible substitute for: Non-native ornamental bunching grasses like Pennisetum
Attracts: Birds eat seeds; also good native Desert Tortoise food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Sandy or rocky well-drained soils; any local pH
Zone 1 or 1-2 (no or very occasional summer water)
none
Keep area weeded during establishment. Gently rake out old leaves in winter; cut
back every 3 years to maintain vigor. Reseeds well with adequate winter rains.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy in pots or directly in prepared beds
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 10, 13, 16
by cuttings: divisions
2/6/11
© Project SOUND
* not native to coastal S. California, but does well in local gardens