Green needlegrass is a cool-season grass that is native to the prairies of North America. It can be used both commercially in hay production, and ornamentally in lawns and gardens. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow green needlegrass.
Green Needlegrass Information
What is green needlegrass? Green needlegrass (known as both Stipa viridula and Nassella viridula) is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass. Native to the prairies of North America, it ranges as far south as Arizona. Its blades reach a mature height of 1 to 2 feet (31-61 cm.). In early summer, it puts up flower shoots that extend the height of the grass to 16 to 36 inches (41-61 cm.). It is hardy down to USDA zone 4. Green needlegrass grows in the spring and autumn, though its tall, wispy flowers and seed heads appear and mature in the heat of summer, when the plant is technically dormant, so it offers good ornamental interest for all three seasons.
How to Grow Green Needlegrass
Green needlegrass care is relatively simple. It grows best in moist areas with high humidity, and often prefers the edge of lawns and fields, where extra water collects. Once it is established, it is relatively drought tolerant, though it benefits from monthly deep watering. It should be grown in areas that receive at least 17 inches (43 cm.) of annual rainfall. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, and sandy to loamy soil. It can be grown in containers, and also works well as a transition grass planted between flower beds and lawn. Growing green needlegrass as part of a grass mix for hay and for livestock grazing is also common. It is a nutritious and well-liked addition to pasture seed mixes, especially because it recovers very well after grazing.
-
Grow A Music Garden: Hit The High Notes By Making Musical Instruments From NatureMusic lovers and gardening lovers can find a natural groove using items growing and resting around them. Find out how easy it is making musical instruments from nature
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted SpeciesEat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
-
Thurber’s Needlegrass Information – Learn How To Grow Thurber’s NeedlegrassIf grass had superheroes, Thurber's needlegrass plants would be one of them. These natives do so much and ask for so little in return that it's a wonder they aren't better known. Click this article for more Thurber's needlegrass information.
-
Letterman’s Needlegrass Info: Learn How To Grow Letterman’s NeedlegrassWhile remains green for much of the year, Letterman's needlegrass becomes more coarse and wiry (but still attractive) during the summer months. Loose, pale green seedheads appear from late summer to early autumn. Learn about growing this needlegrass here.
-
What Is Texas Needlegrass – Learn About Texas Needlegrass Info And CareTexas needlegrass is a perennial of grasslands and prairies in Texas, and nearby states as well as northern Mexico. It provides good forage for livestock but it can also be used in landscaping for visual interest or to create a natural prairie in your yard. Learn more here.
-
How To Grow Purple Needlegrass: A Guide To Purple Needlegrass CareCalifornia named purple needlegrass as their state grass because of its important history. What is purple needlegrass? Click this article for more purple needlegrass info, as well as tips on how to grow purple needlegrass.
-
Different Kinds Of Needlegrass: Tips For Growing Needlegrass PlantsGrowing needlegrass plants in the garden helps reduce maintenance, since they are self-caring once established. There are several kinds of needlegrass. See which one is right for your garden needs in this article. Click here for additional information.
