Nassella pulchra
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Nassella pulchra, basionym Stipa pulchra, is a species of grass known by the common names purple needlegrass and purple tussockgrass.[1] It is native to the U.S. state of 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.
It grows in many types of local habitat, including grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland. It grows well on clay and serpentine soils.[2]
Description
Nassella pulchra is a perennial bunch grass producing tufts of erect, unbranched stems up to Script error: No such module "convert". tall. The extensive root system can reach Script error: No such module "convert". deep into the soil, making the grass more tolerant of drought.[3]
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.[2] The pointed fruit is purple-tinged when young and has an awn up to 10 centimeters long which is twisted and bent twice.[4][5] The shape of the seed helps it self-bury.[2]
Uses
This grass is the preferred material used by the California Indian basket weavers for teaching the art of basket weaving.[6]
State grass
Purple needlegrass became the California state grass in 2004.[7] It is considered a symbol of the state because it is viewed by some as one of the most widespread native California grasses, it supported Native American groups as well as Mexican ranchers, and it helps suppress invasive plant species and support native oaks.[7]
Ecology
In addition to supporting native oaks, it supports common branded skipper and Uncas skipper caterpillars.[8]
See also
References
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- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ California Native Perennial Grasses. Template:Webarchive Hastings Natural History Reservation.
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- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ The Xerces Society (2016), Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects, Timber Press.
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External links
- Pages with script errors
- Nassella
- Bunchgrasses of North America
- Native grasses of California
- Grasses of Mexico
- Flora of Baja California
- Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
- Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
- Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
- Natural history of the Central Valley (California)
- Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges
- Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area
- Natural history of the Santa Monica Mountains
- Natural history of the Transverse Ranges
- Plants described in 1915
- Symbols of California