Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 45.002800
    [lng] => -123.024300
    [elevation] => 37
    [rainfall] => 1010.1976
    [cold_temperature] => 1.2
    [temperature] => 27.8692
    [user_eto] => 1039.77948384
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 815
    [eto_corrected] => 1460
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.55821918
)
Green Needlegrass (Piptochaetium virescens) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Green Needlegrass

(Piptochaetium virescens)

Green Needlegrass (Piptochaetium virescens)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Keizer, Oregon

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 9" - 105" 40" Aquatic Aquatic
• High Temp. 52°F - 101°F 82°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. 23°F - 60°F 34°F Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant Excellent
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Piptochaetium virescens, commonly known as Green Needlegrass or Pine Needlegrass, 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.

Green 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

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Prairies and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Pine Needlegrass , Speargrass

Scientific Names: Piptochaetium virescens , Piptochaetium virescens var. arsenii , Piptochaetium virescens var. virescens , Stipa arsenii , Stipa avenacea , Stipa avenacea , Stipa caerulea , Stipa coerulea , Stipa virescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Piptochaetium virescens