Formerly Stipa comata. Cool season, shortlived, perennial bunchgrass adapted to coarse, well-drained soils. Very drought tolerant, typically occurring on sites receiving less than 16 in. annual precipitation. Widely distributed throughout numerous ecotypes and plant communities. Provides good spring forage, but after maturity the sharp needle-like awn may injure grazing animals. Extensively used for revegetating drastically disturbed sites and sandy blowout areas.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Poaceae

Duration:Perennial, short-lived

Growth Habit: Graminoid

Native Status: Native

Season: Cool

Growth Form: Bunchgrass

Mature Height: 36 in.

Annual Precipitation: 5-20 in.

Drought Tolerance: High

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation:

Wetland Indicator Status: 

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: High

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: No

Salinity Tolerance: No

CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

pH Range: 6.6-8.4

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 137,800

Seeding Rate: 10-14 PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall

Days to Germination: