Family: Poaceae
Author: Trin. & Rupr.
Bibliography: Sp. Gram. Stipac.: 79 (1842)
Year: 1842
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Stipa
Vegetable: False
Observations: Greece to Mongolia and Iran
Description
Needle grass, scientifically known as Stipa lessingiana, is an important and widespread species within the family Poaceae. First documented in the 19th century, specifically in 1842, this species was described by the botanists Trinius and Ruprecht, as indicated in their work “Sp. Gram. Stipac.”
Stipa lessingiana is native to a vast range, extending from Greece across the expansive steppes and semi-deserts of Mongolia and reaching down to the diverse landscapes of Iran. This adaptability to various climates and terrains is a testament to its resilient nature.
The morphology of needle grass is quite distinctive, characterized by its slender, elongated leaves and sharp, needle-like flower spikes, which are not only reflected in its common name but also play a crucial role in its seed dispersion. The plant’s intricate root system allows it to thrive in poor, well-drained soils where other vegetation might struggle, making it an essential component of its native habitats.
Ecologically, Stipa lessingiana plays a significant role in its ecosystems. It provides ground cover and stabilizes soil, thereby preventing erosion. Moreover, it’s a vital forage grass for a range of grazing animals, which rely on it as a food source, especially in habitats where other nutrient-rich plants might be scarce.
In terms of its use and cultivation, needle grass is appreciated for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It’s often utilized in restoration projects and in natural landscaping to create sustainable and native plant communities. Its ability to withstand drought conditions also makes it an ideal candidate for xeriscaping, which aims to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
Overall, Stipa lessingiana is a noteworthy species that not only contributes significantly to the ecology of its natural range but also offers practical benefits for sustainable land management and conservation efforts.
Common Names
Swe: lessing-fjädergräs
Rus: kovylok
Eng: needle grass
En: Needle grass
Ru: Kovylok
Sv: Lessing-fjädergräs
Synonyms
- Stipa lessingiana subsp. cyllenaea ((Strid) Strid)
- Stipa cyllenaea (Strid)
- Stipa lessingiana var. brauneri ((Pacz.) Roshev.)
- Stipa lessingiana subsp. brauneri (Pacz.)
- Stipa saikanica (Kotukhov)
- Stipa brauneri ((Pacz.) Klokov)
- Stipa lessingiana var. zeberbaueri (Hack.)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Greece (native)
- Iran (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 27, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 2019 by G. Akgül (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4138113)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:423492-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stipa lessingiana Trin. & Rupr.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid