Nassella cernua (syn. Stipa cernua) is a species of grass known by the common name nodding needlegrass.
The bunchgrass is native to western California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.N. cernua.; Jepson.Nassella cernua. Grass Manual Treatment.Nassella cernua. NatureServe.
Distribution Nassella cernua is a component of California and Baja California in native grasslands, chaparral, and juniper woodlands. This bunchgrass is found in the California Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges (U.S.), and Peninsular Ranges (U.S. & Mexico).
This and many other native grasses of the California Floristic Province have declined because of the encroachment of introduced species of grasses, making native grasslands a very endangered habitat type, and this plant a listed Vulnerable species.
Description The perennial Nassella cernua bunchgrass has stems up to tall.Las Pilitas plant database — Stipa cernua Nodding needlegrass . accessed 7.7.2012 The narrow leaves have a waxy texture.
The panicle is open with bending or nodding branches. The awn is up to long.NPIN: N. cernua . accessed 7.7.2012.
Cultivation Nassella cernua is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental grass by specialty plant nurseries, for use in native plant and wildlife gardens, drought tolerant landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects.Jepson Horticultural Database . accessed 7.7.2012.
See also Native grasses of California
References
External links USDA Plants Profile for Nassella cernua (nodding needlegrass) Jepson Manual Treatment — Nassella cernua Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network (NPIN): N. cernua U.C. Photo gallery — closeup image of flower, showing awns.