Nassella pulchra

Also Known As

Purple Needlegrass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 18"
W: 12"

planting zones

7a-11

More Options

Nassella pulchra plant details

Nassella pulchra is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In spring purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control, seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nassella pulchra

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 18 IN tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring
Uses: self-sowing, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nassella pulchra

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, erosion, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This perennial bunchgrass is long-lived and drought tolerant and grows from 1-3? tall. An excellent choice for dry meadow, accents in mixed border, in rock gardens or in containers. Purple needlegrass is one of the key components of California?s native grasslands. Roots extend down 20 ft to tap soil moisture and provide erosion control. Will stay green longer with a little summer water. Purple needlegrass became the California State Grass in 2004! Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Provides shelter and food for small animals. Seed was used by many California Native America groups as a food source. Found in coastal hills, valleys, and mountain ranges. Communitites located in Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Foothill Woodland Between 0 and 5000 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

Our California state grass, purple needlegrass forms tight bunches to 18? high with flowering stems to 3', covered in purplish flowers. In summer, both flowers and leaves mature to a golden brown, remaining dormant until the arrival of winter rains. Useful in the wild garden, in meadows or on rocky slopes, it tolerates extremes in exposure and soil, but performs best in full sun in well-drained soil. Reseeds aggressively in favorable sites, though typically it is not invasive. Hardy to 10F. Western United States.

By: Native Sons

This was a main grass that constituted much of the native California grasslands before they disappeared. Growing to about 18” tall & 12” wide, Nassella pulchra blooms in late Winter through early Spring. It produces airy, waving seedheads that start out purple & then become silvery-tan. Would look great planted with early blooming California annuals like Nemophila menziesii & Eschscholzia caespitosa. The seeds with their stems attached look like a needle & thread, hence the common name. The roots of this grass can grow as deep as 20’, & this grass is thought to be able to live as long as 200 years. Tolerates dry clay & will go dormant in a dry summer garden, but otherwise will stay green all year. Self sows but is not invasive, & needs open soil to germinate.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Garden photo gallery of Nassella pulchra

View Full Size

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

View Original Photo

Photo of Nassella pulchra flower by The Watershed Nursery

View Full Size

By: The Watershed Nursery

View Original Photo

View Full Size

By: The Watershed Nursery

View Original Photo

Gardening facts about Nassella pulchra plant

How to Grow Nassella pulchra

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- rocky
Special Situation
- seaside / salt tolerant
- erosion control
- verticillium wilt resistant