Kingdom Plantae Family Poaceae Scientific name Nassella pulchra Rank Species | Order Poales Genus Nassella Higher classification Nassella | |
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Similar Grasses, Nassella, Elymus glaucus, Danthonia californica, Nassella lepida | ||
Nassella pulchra, basionym Stipa pulchra, is a species of grass known by the common names purple needlegrass and purple tussockgrass. It is native to California, where it occurs throughout the coastal hills, valleys, and mountain ranges, as well as the Sacramento Valley and parts of the Sierra Nevada foothills, and Baja California.
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It grows in many types of local habitat, including grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland. It grows well on clay and serpentine soils.
Description
Nassella pulchra is a perennial bunch grass producing tufts of erect, unbranched stems up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall. The extensive root system can reach 20 feet (6.1 m) deep into the soil, making the grass more tolerant of drought.
The open, nodding inflorescence is up to 60 centimeters long and has many branches bearing spikelets.
The plant produces copious seed, up to 227 pounds per acre in dense stands. The pointed fruit is purple-tinged when young and has an awn up to 10 centimeters long which is twisted and bent twice. The shape of the seed helps it self-bury.
Uses
This grass is the preferred material utilized by the California Indian Basket Weavers for teaching children the art of basket weaving.
State grass
Purple needlegrass became the California State Grass in 2004. It is considered a symbol of the state because it is the most widespread native California grass, it supported Native American groups as well as Mexican ranchers, and it helps suppress invasive plant species and support native oaks.
by establishing a large, fibrous root system which holds the soil in place.