Nassella lepida

Also Known As

Stipa lepida
Foothill Needlegrass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 1'-3'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

9a-11

More Options

Nassella lepida plant details

Nassella lepida is a deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. Features grassy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and clay soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nassella lepida

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nassella lepida

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, erosion and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and clay

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This perennial bunchgrass grows 1-3' tall and is very drought tolerant. This fine-bladed, tufted bunchgrass is commonly found along chaparral margins in the Coast Ranges and in the Sierra foothills. Its graceful flower stalks have needle like awns that shimmer in the afternoon light. Excellent choice for dry meadow, accents in mixed border, in rock gardens, or in containers. Tolerant of partial shade and will stay green longer with a little summer water. 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 dry slopes, chaparral, oak grassland. Communitites located in Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Coastal Prairie Between 0 and 4000 feet .