Description
Lemmon’s needlegrass is a charismatic native grass species that is typically found growing in rocky, well-drained soils on sunny ridgelines, in open meadows, grasslands, woodlands and chaparral. This species has deep fibrous roots and is extremely drought tolerant and very tough, tolerating and thriving on very nutrient poor soils. Lemmon’s needlegrass is native to the western United States with a range that extends from British Columbia to southern California. It is a perennial grass that forms dense clumps with flowering stems that grow up to 3′ tall. Lemmon’s needlegrass is a desirable cool season bunchgrass for upland prairies and oak woodlands. It is perfect for hot, dry, sunny, south-facing slopes, rocky areas, or disturbed sites with poor soil fertility. It can also be used in urban or landscaped settings for low maintenance lawns or xeriscape gardens. Lemmon’s needlegrass leaf blades have a blue-green color. It also has distinct spike-like seed heads with long awns, hence the common name needlegrass. The large seeds are an important food for many types of birds. Prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soils. Native bunchgrasses are larval host plants for some butterfly species.
We will be updating the botanical name of this species soon to reflect the current name in use by Oregon Flora Project: Eriocoma lemmonii.
Lemmon’s needlegrass seed packets contain approximately 65 seeds per packet.
Seed Germination Instructions
90 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in fall.
