Nassella pulchra

Species Name: Nassella pulchra
Common Name: Purple-Needlegrass

A Southern California native bunchgrass that is both showy (purple seed heads) and tough (deep roots). Recommended for dry, hot areas and steep slopes. The official state grass of California.

Plant Family: Poaceae

Plant Type: Grass

Height by Width: 1-3' H x 2' W

Growth Habit: Bunchgrass

Deciduous/Evergreen: Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Exposure: Sun to part sun

Soil Preference: Well-draining, rocky

Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant to moderate

Cold Hardy to: 25 degrees F

Flower Season: Spring

Flower Color: Seedhead

Endangered?: Not listed

Distribution: Northwest, north and central foothills of the Sierra Nevada, southern Sacramento Valley, Central West, South Coast, Channel Islands, western Transverse Range, Western Peninsular Range, Baja

Natural Habitat: Oak woodland, chaparral, grassland below 4100'