Nassella cernua

Nassella cernua (syn. Stipa cernua) is a species of grass known by the common name nodding needlegrass.

The bunchgrass is native to western California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.

Distribution
Nassella cernua is a component of California and Baja California in native grasslands, chaparral, and juniper woodlands. This bunchgrass is found in the California Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges (U.S.), and Peninsular Ranges (U.S. & Mexico).

This and many other native grasses of the California Floristic Province have declined because of the encroachment of introduced species of grasses, making native grasslands a very endangered habitat type, and this plant a listed Vulnerable species.

Description
The perennial Nassella cernua bunchgrass has stems up to 2 - 3 ft tall. The narrow leaves have a waxy texture.

The panicle is open with bending or nodding branches. The awn is up to 4 in long.

Cultivation
Nassella cernua is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental grass by specialty plant nurseries, for use in native plant and wildlife gardens, drought tolerant landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects.