Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Western Needlegrass (Achnatherum occidentale ssp. occidentale) is a native grass that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is moderately fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 2 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are yellow and bloom in the late spring. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in open , at elevations from 9800-11200 feet.

Plant type

Grass

Size

2 - 4 ft Tall

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Sunset Zones

1*, 2*, 3*

Site type

Open dry places

Plant communities

Alpine Fell-Fields, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 4 likely

Confirmed Likely

Common Ringlet

Coenonympha tullia

Juba Skipper

Hesperia juba

Nevada Skipper

Hesperia nevada

Uncas Skipper

Hesperia uncas