Chris Grondahl |
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Needle and thread
(Stipa comata) Distribution: statewide
Habitat: moist, mixed prairies, coarse and medium textured
soils
Description: Cool-season, perennial bunchgrass. Spikes
contain spikelets, tipped with a long (8-12 inch) hair that curls
at the end.
Height: 1-3 feet
Other names: speargrass
Plant uses and other interesting facts: This plants name
comes from the sharp-tipped, longhaired spikelets which develop
in early June. It provides good forage when green but spikes can
cause injury to eyes, mouth and flesh of smaller animals (i.e.,
sheep). Injury can be avoided if grazed before hairs mature or
after they are dropped.
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey