Stipa pulchra, Purple Needlegrass

Purple Needlegrass gets its name from the color of its seeds in its long awns. It is a perennial bunchgrass that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has a very deep root system (as much as 12 feet), which makes it drought adapted and a good plant choice for erosion control. it makes a clump about 2 ft wide and 3 feet tall.

Purple Needlegrass is easy to grow and tolerant of most soil types, including poor and disturbed soils. Plant in full or part sun as part of a low-water meadow garden. This grass produces a large amount of seeds, which attract birds and other wildlife. It can be cut back when it turns brown at the end of summer.

Purple Needlegrasss is California’s most widespread native grass. It was named California’s State Grass in 2004.