Nassella viridula, commonly known as Green Needlegrass, is a perennial grass native to the Great Plains and prairies of North America, particularly in areas such as western Canada and the western and central United States. It typically grows up to 4 feet tall and forms dense tufts with a deep and fibrous root system that can penetrate over 5 feet into the soil. This grass is characterized by its fine-textured foliage and produces spikelets with awns nearly 2 inches long that are particularly noticeable when they catch the light. Green Needlegrass is a key component of the native prairie ecosystem, often found in well-drained soils of open grasslands and prairie hillsides.

Green Needlegrass is valued for its drought tolerance and adaptability to a range of temperatures, making it a suitable choice for restoration projects, erosion control, and as a forage grass in dry environments. It provides essential food and cover for wildlife, including nesting sites for waterfowl and birds. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and tolerating poor soil conditions. However, it is not typically used in ornamental landscaping due to its less showy nature. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas outside its native range, it can become invasive and outcompete other species.CC BY-SA 4.0