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Native Plant Database

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Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei (Barkworth & Maze) Barkworth

Columbia needlegrass, Dore's needlegrass

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonyms: Stipa columbiana, Stipa nelsonii

USDA Symbol: ACNED

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The culms of this cool-season, perennial bunchgrass rise 1-3 ft., slightly taller than the leaves. The seedhead is narrow, dense and purplish. The spikelets bear a distinctive awn extending far beyond the grain.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , OR , TX , WA , WY
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Black Hills to the Yukon, s. to w. TX & CA
Native Habitat: Dry plains, meadows & open woods at medium to high elevations
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Columbia needlegrass is drought tolerant and useful for revegetating rangelands at higher elevations.

Propagation

Description: Sow seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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