Needle and thread

Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata

Formerly Stipa comata. Cool season, short-lived, perennial bunchgrass adapted to coarse, well-drained soils. Very drought tolerant, typically occurring on sites receiving less than 16 in. annual precipitation. Widely distributed throughout numerous ecotypes and plant communities. Provides good spring forage, but after maturity the sharp needle-like awn may injure grazing animals. Extensively used for revegetating drastically disturbed sites and sandy blowout areas.