Nassella cernua
Nassella cernua (syn. Stipa cernua) is a species of grass known by the common name nodding needlegrass.
| Nassella cernua | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Nassella |
| Species: | N. cernua |
| Binomial name | |
| Nassella cernua (Stebbins & R.M. Love) Barkworth | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Stipa cernua (former) | |
The bunchgrass is native to western California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.[2][3][1]
Distribution
Nassella cernua is a component of California and Baja California in native grasslands, chaparral, and juniper woodlands.[2][3] This bunchgrass is found in the California Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges (U.S.), and Peninsular Ranges (U.S. & Mexico).[2]
This and many other native grasses of the California Floristic Province have declined because of the encroachment of introduced species of grasses, making native grasslands a very endangered habitat type, and this plant a listed Vulnerable species.[1]
Description
The perennial Nassella cernua bunchgrass has stems up to 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) tall.[4] The narrow leaves have a waxy texture.
The panicle is open with bending or nodding branches.[3] The awn is up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.[5]
Cultivation
Nassella cernua is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental grass by specialty plant nurseries, for use in native plant and wildlife gardens, drought tolerant landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects.[4][6]
See also
- Native grasses of California
References
- Nassella cernua. NatureServe.
- N. cernua.; Jepson.
- Nassella cernua. Grass Manual Treatment.
- Las Pilitas plant database — Stipa cernua Nodding needlegrass . accessed 7.7.2012
- NPIN: N. cernua . accessed 7.7.2012.
- Jepson Horticultural Database . accessed 7.7.2012.