Purple needlegrass is a type of bunchgrass, a wild grass that grows in clusters. It’s one of our most well known wild grasses.In fact, it’s California’s official native grass. What makes purple needlegrass so recognizable and popular?
Burrowing Seeds and Roots
The seeds of purple needlegrass have a sharp end called an awn. The awn helps the seed work its way into the earth, giving the plant the name needlegrass. The awn is so sharp that it’s a common cause of injury to livestock. Be sure to wear shoes around your purple needlegrass, and keep pets away from it.
Purple needlegrass’s root system is far-reaching and can extend as far as 20 feet. It can grow in woodland soils, clay and otherwise barren soil. It’s recommended to improve areas with soil erosion due to its wide-ranging roots and hardy nature.
A Colorful and Resilient Landscaping Grass
The leaves of purple needlegrass remain green throughout the year and top out at around one foot in height. The flower stems grow to two feet in height, making an attractive contrast when the flowers bloom.
Purple needlegrass’s flowers look a lot like wild wheat. They’re purplish-red and almost iridescent in direct sunlight. Although the flowers aren’t the type you’d cut and put in a vase, they’re handsome and add some rich color to your yard in early spring.
Historical and Modern Uses for Purple Needlegrass
Native Americans used the leaves of purple needlegrass for weaving baskets. The California Indian Basket Weavers still use purple needlegrass leaves to teach basket weaving to children.
In addition to replenishing areas with soil erosion, purple needlegrass is utilized to stifle the growth of invasive non-native plants. Planting purple needlegrass can both improve your soil and protect native plants, but for the best growth, don’t plant it too close to other grasses. Your landscaper can help you pick the best places to plant purple needlegrass.
Purple Needlegrass in Your Garden
You can plant purple needlegrass in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t need much water, but some irrigation during the height of summer will keep the leaves from going brown. Water purple needlegrass once a month during the summer.
Purple needlegrass is primarily used in landscaping as a groundcover. It can be planted under trees for additional visual interest.
Purple needlegrass doesn’t produce the type of flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies, but it is a very important food source for small wildlife, especially since so many native grasses that wildlife depends on for food have been overtaken by non-native exotic grasses.
Contact us today to learn more about landscaping with purple needlegrass.
Things to Remember:
• Purple needlegrass is ideal for yards prone to soil erosion
• It grows in nearly all soils and in sun or partial shade
• Purple needlegrass is a valuable food source for native wildlife and helps reduce the growth of invasive species