Lemmon’s Needlegrass
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(Eriocoma lemmonii)
Lemmon’s Needlegrass (Eriocoma lemmonii)
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© Jack Bindernagel
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
© Jack Bindernagel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Jack Bindernagel | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: jbindernagel | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Eriocoma lemmonii, commonly known as Lemmon’s needlegrass, is a perennial grass native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including dry grasslands, open woodlands, and savannas, from British Columbia to southern California. It is particularly adapted to low-fertility soils, including unique serpentine soils where the subspecies pubescens is endemic. This grass typically forms dense clumps that can reach up to 35 inches in height. Its narrow panicles are distinctive, with spikelets that bear long, hair-like awns, which can catch the light and add a shimmering quality to the landscape.
Lemmon’s needlegrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for restoration projects and naturalistic plantings. The plant’s growth habit and seed heads provide visual interest, particularly when backlit by the sun. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, thriving in full sun and tolerating a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to rust in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Lemmon’s needlegrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for restoration projects and naturalistic plantings. The plant’s growth habit and seed heads provide visual interest, particularly when backlit by the sun. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, thriving in full sun and tolerating a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to rust in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to dry grasslands, open woodlands, and savannas, particularly adapted to low-fertility and serpentine soils
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Eriocoma lemmonii, Achnatherum lemmonii, Stipa columbiana var. columbiana, Stipa lemmonii, Stipa pringlei var. lemmonii
GBIF Accepted Name: Eriocoma lemmonii