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Green Needle Grass Seeds

Stipa viridula

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow either in late fall or early spring. Press the seed into the surface of the soil, compacting the soil very firmly. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil saturated until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. This plant prefers dry and sandy soil, and tolerates drought extremely well. It also adapts well to various soil types such as clay, and gravel. This plant establishes itself rather slowly, but may eventually spread by self-seeding. This plant makes an very good choice for erosion control. It is also a popular ornamental plant, and the seeds attract birds and other small animals.

Seed Saving: At the end of the season, the seed heads will begin to ripen. Strip the mature seed from the stem; gloves may be necessary for protection. Spread the seed out and allow it to dry completely. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Stipa viridula

Species Origin: US Native Grass or Sedge

Type: Native Grasses, Cool Season

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest

Seeds per Ounce: 14,900

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Green, Brown

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~500 Seeds) $3.25 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~14,900 Seeds) $6.84 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $10.67 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $24.00 -+
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $108.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $192.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $456.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $864.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This beautiful native grass is suitable for prairies or ornamental uses. It is such a pretty plant, but be aware that the seeds are sharp like little needles. It grows best in the cool season of spring and bears seeds in the summer.
This unique species got its name from the needle-like seeds, which grow with a long fiber attached to one end. This fiber, called an "awn," allows the dropped seeds to bury themselves in the ground as it expands and contracts with humidity; the awn also catches the wind to disperse the seed. The genus name "Stipa" comes from the Greek word for "flaxen," referring to the hair-like fiber on each seed.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow either in late fall or early spring. Press the seed into the surface of the soil, compacting the soil very firmly. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil saturated until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. This plant prefers dry and sandy soil, and tolerates drought extremely well. It also adapts well to various soil types such as clay, and gravel. This plant establishes itself rather slowly, but may eventually spread by self-seeding. This plant makes an very good choice for erosion control. It is also a popular ornamental plant, and the seeds attract birds and other small animals.

Seed Saving: At the end of the season, the seed heads will begin to ripen. Strip the mature seed from the stem; gloves may be necessary for protection. Spread the seed out and allow it to dry completely. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Stipa viridula

Species Origin: US Native Grass or Sedge

Type: Native Grasses, Cool Season

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest

Seeds per Ounce: 14,900

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Green, Brown

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer