
Plants of the Southwest
Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata
Needle-and-Thread Grass
Needle-and-Thread Grass is a drought tolerant 3 ft. clump grass used in reclamation. Named for the sharp needle, the seed, and the 6 long thread. It is fascinating to take the seed head from the plant, stick the needle into the ground and watch the thread drill in the seed (it is a hygroscopic drill). The long threads also disperse the seeds in the wind, and while still attached to the plant they catch the light making silvery waves. Note: The seed could poke or lodge in your pet's skin. Zones 4-6.
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