{"product_id":"hesperostipa-comata-needle-and-thread-grass-poaceae","title":"Needle and Thread Grass","description":"\u003ch1\u003eNeedle and Thread Grass\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHesperostipa comata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoaceae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpokane Native\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 3' tall x 1’ wide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrought Tolerant: Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen: No\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color: Silvery-green seed heads (May-July)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWildlife Value: Seeds for birds and small mammals, erosion control, prairie restoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeedle and Thread Grass is a native cool-season perennial bunchgrass forming dense tufts of fine, thread-like foliage. It is widely distributed across western North America in prairies, grasslands, and dry open areas. The grass develops deep roots that provide excellent drought tolerance and make it valuable for erosion control on dry slopes. It thrives in full sun with well-drained sandy or gravelly soils and is well-adapted to low-rainfall areas of the Great Plains and Intermountain West.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grass produces distinctive seed heads from May through July that give the plant its common name. Each seed features a sharp, needle-like point attached to a long, thread-like awn that can reach 4 to 8 inches in length. These twisted awns create a silvery-green shimmer as they catch the light and move in the breeze. The seed mechanism is specially adapted for dispersal, with the awn twisting and untwisting with changes in humidity to drill the seed into the soil. The graceful seed heads provide extended ornamental interest through summer and fall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeedle and Thread Grass offers important ecological value in prairie and grassland ecosystems. The seeds provide food for songbirds and small mammals, while the bunchgrass growth habit creates shelter for ground-dwelling wildlife. The extensive root system improves soil structure and prevents erosion on slopes and disturbed sites. This grass was an important component of historical mixed-grass prairies and is valued today for prairie restoration and native grass plantings. It provides fair forage for livestock when young but becomes less palatable as it matures and the sharp awns develop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis grass is ideal for prairie restorations, native grass meadows, xeriscape gardens, and erosion control on dry slopes. It works well in naturalized areas where its unique texture and movement add visual interest. Plant in full sun with well-drained sandy to gravelly soils. Needle and Thread Grass combines beautifully with other native prairie grasses like Blue Grama, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, and native forbs such as Prairie Coneflower and Blanket Flower. It establishes readily from seed and requires minimal maintenance once established in appropriate dry conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-6beed1fd-7fff-7cdf-698e-fb3e9cf4a743\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0774\/5440\/9961\/files\/Screenshot_2025-12-27_035129.png?v=1766836313\" style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tanager, LLC","offers":[{"title":"10 cu in","offer_id":49968706093289,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0774\/5440\/9961\/files\/Hesperostipacomata-NeedleandThreadGrass-habit.png?v=1767032036","url":"https:\/\/www.tanagergreenhouse.com\/products\/hesperostipa-comata-needle-and-thread-grass-poaceae","provider":"Tanager, LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}