Nodding Stipa or Nodding Needlegrass (Nassella cernua), is a perennial bunchgrass native to California and parts of Baja California. It thrives in various habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and juniper woodlands, particularly within the California Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges. 
It grass forms upright clumps reaching up to 3 feet in height. It is fast-growing and extremely drought tolerant
 
In late spring, it produces open panicles with slender, nodding branches. The awns can extend up to 4 inches, giving the seed heads a distinctive appearance. 
 
Nodding needlegrass is an integral component of native grasslands. However, the encroachment of introduced grass species has led to a decline in native grasslands, making them an endangered habitat type. Consequently, Nassella cernua is considered a vulnerable species. 
 
This species is valued in drought-tolerant landscaping and habitat restoration projects. It prefers well-drained soils in full sun and is adaptable to light summer watering, which can enhance its appearance and bloom production. It's also useful in native mixtures with wildflowers for erosion control. This is included in some zones of our California Native Collection Box.
 
Perennial zones 6-11
 
This is for 100 Seeds