(d) The deep root systems of this grass support the survival of young oak trees by promoting mycorrihizal fungi, which are important to their health.With a lifespan of up to 100 years, Nassella pulchra provides food for more than 330 terrestrial species of life. 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. To maintain a true grassland look without shrubs, use geophytes such as Purple Needlegrass, Stipa pulchra August 2014 Habitat Type: Oak Woodland, Chaparral, and Grasslands This grass is a perennial bunchgrass native to the central valley and requires little water, making this beautiful grass a good ornamental species. Prior to the import of Mediterranean annual grasses (which now dominate California grasslands), purple needlegrass was the major grassland cover type of California. A diverse native grassland attracts numerous insects, birds and small mammals 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. It is believed that before European settlement, purple needlegrass was the dominant bunch grass species in the state. Tends to self-sow under favorable conditions. It forms dense clumps of leaves up to 1 foot tall. Found in virtually every type of soil. Purple needlegrass became the California State Grass in 2004. Annual Precipitation: 6.5" - 98.2", Summer Precipitation: 0.14" - 2.52", Coldest Month: 25.7" - 57.6", Hottest Month: 48.6" - 84.4", Humidity: 0.02" - 36.40", Elevation: -151" - 9884" Potential companion plants include nearly every native shrub. 1226 The awn (or long bristle) helps drill the seed into the soil. (h) With new species of exotic grasses and weeds emerging everyday, it is important to recognize Nassella pulchra as a symbol of the heritage, splendor, and natural diversity found in the early days of California. Life cycle: Purple Needlegrass is a perennial bunchgrass. For propagating by seed: No treatment.

At Mather Field, Purple Needlegrass is the only bunchgrass (perennial grass which grows in bunches) which has long needle-like awns on the grass seeds.

Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0 2. It is hardy, drought resistant, desirable forage to livestock, and easily recognizable. Senate Bill No. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:(a) Nassella pulchra, or purple needlegrass as it is commonly known, is the most extensive and widespread native perennial bunchgrass found in the state, with a range extending from the Oregon border into northern Baja California. Tolerant of summer drought and heat once established, the seeds of purple needlegrass were one of several grass species used as a food source by Native Americans in California. Today, Nassella pulchra continues to provide forage for California’s important cattle industry. Nassella pulchra, basionym Stipa pulchra, is a species of grass known by the common names purple needlegrass and purple tussockgrass. Today purple needlegrass is used for habitat restoration, erosion and levee control (and also continues to provide forage for California's cattle and wildlife).Prior to the import of Mediterranean annual grasses (which now dominate California grasslands), purple needlegrass was the major grassland cover type of California.