Purple Needlegrass once a dominant grass in CA

Apr 29, 2011

Purple Needlegrass seeds were, historically, an important food source for many California Native Americans.  This species (Nassella pulchra) of perennial bunchgrass was once the dominant grass of California prior to the invasion by European grasses.  It is the "State Grass of California, and dense stands of this bunch grass can still be found at the

IMG 5804
Hopland Research and Extension Center.  It's long, needle-like seeds with long awns, hence the name "needlegrass", are in full bloom right now at HREC.


By Robert J Keiffer
Author - Center Superintendent