Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens
Pubescent needle grass
Photo: parent species Stipa lemmonii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3.2
Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens (Pubescent needle grass) is a native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by pubescent habit.
Pubescent needle grass is a California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges in Lake and Tehama counties, growing in chaparral and open pine forest on serpentine terrain at elevations of 1,000 to 1,300 meters. Flowering from June to July, this grass produces delicate pale flowers in slender, drooping clusters. Growing with stems densely covered in soft, woolly hairs, particularly near the base, it forms graceful clumps up to knee height. Its narrow leaves emerge from tomentose sheaths, creating a soft, textured appearance characteristic of needle grass species. The dense, pubescent stems and delicate inflorescences make this grass a subtle but distinctive component of serpentine woodland landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; pubescent habit is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, open pine forest, on serpentine
Elevation: 1000-1300 m
Bloom period
Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 3.2
How to tell it apart
vs Nassella: Nassella has feathery plumose awns; Stipa awns are scabrous (rough) not plumose.; vs Oloptum: Oloptum has twice-bent awns with dense crown; Stipa has once-bent awns.; vs Eriocoma: Eriocoma has densely hairy lemmas; Stipa lemmas are smooth to scabrous.; vs Pappostipa: Pappostipa has plumose awns; Stipa awns are rough but not feathery.; vs Bromus: Bromus has multiple-flowered spikelets; Stipa has single-flowered spikelets with bent awns.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens native to California?
Yes. Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens bloom?
Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens belong to?
Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens is in the Poaceae family, genus Stipa.
Is Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens rare or endangered?
Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens carries California Rare Plant Rank 3.2, state rank S1?.
What habitat does Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens grow in?
Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens grows in Chaparral, open pine forest, on serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.