California grasslands were probably historically dominated by perennial bunchgrasses such as purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) and bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) [22,55,204,211,251]. Nassella pulchra, basionym Stipa pulchra, is a species of grass known by the common name purple needlegrass. Also can be p For Popular in native grass mixtures and in wildflower mixtures. Nassella pulchra, basionym Stipa pulchra, is a species of grass known by the common names purple needlegrass and purple tussockgrass. It probably never formed extensive grasslands (Hamilton 1997), flourishing primarily in moderately disturbed areas. 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. Purple needlegrass is a medium-large, long-lived bunchgrass well adapted to clay soils. It is the most widespread native bunchgrass and its growing range is from the Oregon border into northern Baja California. It is believed that before European settlement, purple needlegrass was the dominant bunch grass species in the state. Purple Needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) Purple needlegrass is a perennial bunchgrass which can live up to 150 years. Scientific name: Nassella pulchra Family: Poaceae (grass) Habitat: grassland Size: plants up to 2 feet tall Fun facts: This grass was once nominated to be the “state grass” of California.. Nassella pulchra is California’s state grass. Scientifically known as Nassella pulchra, purple needlegrass is native to the coastal hills of California, ranging from the Oregon border south to Baja, California. It resembles N. manicata, but has longer florets and less strongly developed crowns. Attractive grass with interesting seed panicles. Nassella pulchra can be used to help restore habitats, prevent erosion and maintain levees. Common Name: Purple Needlegrass Botanical Name(s): Stipa pulchra (Nassella pulchra) Purple NeedlegrassNamed "California State Grass" because of its wide range of adapation in climates and soils. It is native to 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. The official State Grass designated in 2004, is Nassella pulchra, or Purple needlegrass, as it is most commonly known. Discussion. Nassella pulchra grows in oak chaparral and grassland communities of the coast ranges and Sierra foothills of California, extending south into Mexico. It cannot be used as a lawn grass because of its clustered nature, but it can be used as decorative grass. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center focused on protecting and preserving North America's native plants through native plant lists and image galleries, conservation, education, natural landscapes, seed collection - Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) Project, preserving and restoring native communities, spreading awareness on invasive species and gardening to attract wildlife. This grass is normally found on dry slopes at around 5000 feet. The species also occurs in the Central Valley and foothills of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada, and on the Channel Islands. Description: Member of the grass family.Each grass flower is made up of a pair of tiny bracts and the stamens and pistil. Distribution Purple needlegrass occurs on the west side of the Coast Ranges from northern Baja California north to the Oregon border. Purple needlegrass can be found in temperate grasslands from the Oregon border into northern Baja California. 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