How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
Common Name: Green Needlegrass
Scientific Name: Nassella viridula
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Rangeland and Pasture
~Habitat Improvement
~Soil StabilizationHeight: 1 1/2 - 3 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Best on clay textures but will grow on medium to coarse textures
Tolerances: Fair salt and alkali
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 12-14 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 7 lbs/ac
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 180,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Stratification Required: Cold for 2-3 months
Description
Green needlegrass is a long-lived, cool-season, bunchgrass that is well adapted to clay textures but can also grow on medium to coarse textures. It can be fairly drought-tolerant and fairly salt and alkali-tolerant. It is also winter-hardy. Green needlegrass has a good forage yield and is quite palatable while green. It is moderately tolerant to grazing and is valuable for rangeland and pasture improvement, reclamation, and soil stabilization of disturbed sites.
Green needlegrass is native to North America and can be found from British Columbia, down through the western United States, and into Mexico. It is typically found in grasslands, savannas, and open forests, and can grow up to three feet tall. The leaves of green needlegrass are long and narrow, with a distinctive blue-green color.
In terms of management, green needlegrass is best planted in the fall or early spring, and requires adequate moisture during establishment. Once established, it can tolerate moderate grazing, but should not be overgrazed. Green needlegrass is also a good candidate for reseeding disturbed sites, such as those that have been impacted by mining or construction activities. Overall, green needlegrass is a valuable grass species for improving rangeland and pasture productivity, as well as for restoring disturbed sites.
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=NAVI4
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_navi4.pdf
