The Tortoise Club

Plant Name:

Needlegrass, Desert Needlegrass

Latin Name:

Stipa speciosa

Plant Type:

Grass

About

Stipa speciosa syn. Achnatherum speciosum is a species of grass known by the common name desert needlegrass. It is native to much of the south-western United States from California to Colorado, where it grows in dry areas, especially sagebrush habitat. It is also known from Mexico and parts of South America. Depending on the season, it can have a slightly elevated level of protein. It also contains high levels of oxalates and should be avoided.