Piptochaetium virescens, commonly known as Needlegrass or Speargrass, is a perennial grass native to North America, particularly Mexico. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and spreading 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) wide. This grass is characterized by its fine-textured, needle-like leaves and green to brown flowers that are rather inconspicuous, blooming in the spring and summer. The inflorescences are not particularly showy, but they add a subtle texture to the landscape.

Needlegrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in restoration projects, erosion control, and as a low-maintenance ornamental grass in full sun to part shade gardens. It prefers medium to fast-draining soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types and requires minimal water once established. While it is not known for aggressive roots or serious disease problems, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0