Family: Poaceae
Author: (Trin.) Barkworth
Bibliography: Taxon 39: 612 (1990)
Year: 1990
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nassella
Vegetable: False
Observations: SC. U.S.A. to Mexico, Argentina
Description
Argentine needlegrass, scientifically known as Nassella tenuissima, is an intriguing member of the Poaceae family, a diverse and economically significant family of grasses. First given formal taxonomic description in the 1990 volume of Taxon, a leading journal in botanical science, Argentine needlegrass has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Named by the prominent botanist (Trin.) Barkworth, Nassella tenuissima is native to a broad geographical range extending from the southwestern United States through Mexico and reaching as far south as Argentina. This widespread distribution illustrates the plant’s adaptability to various climates and soils, from arid landscapes to temperate grasslands.
Argentine needlegrass is celebrated for its elegant, fine-textured foliage, which gives it a delicate, wispy appearance, reminiscent of slender needles—hence the common name. The plant features long, thin leaves that sway gracefully with the slightest breeze, creating a dynamic and visually appealing element in native prairie gardens and ornamental landscapes.
Ecologically, Nassella tenuissima plays a vital role in its native habitats. It provides ground cover, reducing soil erosion, and serves as a food source and habitat for various invertebrates and small mammals. In addition, its deep root system helps in soil stabilization and nutrient cycling, supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.
Gardeners and landscapers value Argentine needlegrass not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its resilience. It requires minimal maintenance once established and can thrive in a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. This makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable landscaping efforts where water conservation is a priority.
When incorporating Nassella tenuissima into a garden or landscape, one must consider its high propensity to reseed and potentially become invasive outside its native range. Thus, it is often recommended to monitor and manage its growth carefully to prevent unintended spread.
In summary, Argentine needlegrass is a visually striking and ecologically significant plant that enriches both native and ornamental landscapes with its unique foliage and adaptability. First formally recognized in scientific literature in 1990, it stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and functional importance of grasses within the plant kingdom.
Common Names
Eng: argentine needlegrass, fine-stem needlegrass, white tussock, argentine needle-grass
Deu: mexikanisches federgras, engelshaar
Swe: svansfjädergräs
Afr: witpolgras
Nld: fijn vedergras
En: Argentine needlegrass, White tussock, Fine-stem needlegrass, Finestem needlegrass, Mexican Feather Grass, Tussockgrass, Argentine Needle-grass
Af: Witpolgras
Nl: Fijn vedergras
De: Mexikanisches Federgras, Engelshaar
Sv: Svansfjädergräs
Synonyms
- Stipa tenuissima f. colorata (F.A.Roig)
- Stipa mendocina (Phil.)
- Stipa tenuissima (Trin.)
- Stipa geniculata (Phil.)
- Stipa oreophila (Speg.)
- Stipa subulata (E.Fourn.)
- Stipa tenuissima var. planicola (Speg.)
- Stipa tenuissima var. oreophila ((Speg.) Speg.)
- Stipa tenuissima f. nana (Parodi)
- Stipa cirrosa (E.Fourn.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Argentina South (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Texas (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Wolfgang Klesper (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 14, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Kaffal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Annie DUSHUD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Charlie Grosman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 17, 2018 by Matthieu Melcot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2018 by Darius Lysandre (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2021 by paola vadalà (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by Eva Boyer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Plantomax (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by abychou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5289833)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:281184-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nassella tenuissima (Trin.) Barkworth)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
