Needleandthread Native Species

Native Species:		Hesperostipa Camata ssp. comata
Common Name:		Needleandthread
Alternative Name:		Stipa comata
Morphological Classification:		G7-M-M-E-H
Plant Size:		Medium
Inflorescence:		Panicle
Disarticulation:		Above
Seed Size:		Medium
Awn Length:		Medium
Seed/Floret Shape:		Elongate
Seed Per LB:		137,850
Distribution:		Occurs throughout Western U.S. into the Midwest and Great Lake States.
Ecological Setting:		Needleandthread is found growing on dry hills, well-drained, sandy soils, plains and slightly, acidic sites
Plant Communities:		Poa communities, Species assoctations include; wheatgrass, Sporobolus cryptandrus
Seed Availability:		Abundnt; Cultivars include, AC Sarptail (Agric. Candad/Ducks Unlimited)
Notes:		This grass is considered fair to good forage for livestock; it is spring forage for deer, and winter forage for elk. It is used in conservation to stabilize eroded and degraded sites, as well as revegetation for reclamation. Needleandthread seed is harvested by direct combining or by windrowing followed by combining, with harvest occuring from late July to late August. It has extremely sharp barbed calluses.

Grass plant list by scientific name (coming soon)