Stipa viridula

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Abstract:

The fully documented scientific species name is Stipa viridula Trin. Green needlegrass is known to hybridize with Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides) under natural conditions. Offspring produced by this cross are sterile and exhibit botanical characteristics intermediate between the parent species. Several somewhat morphologically distinct cultivars have been developed, but recognized varieties have not yet been documented in the literature. The USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region lists green needlegrass as a sensitive plant species in Idaho. Its Natural Heritage Program state rank in Idaho is S1: "critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences, or very few remaining individuals), or because of some factor of its biology making it especially vulnerable to extirpation form the state (critically endangered in state)". It is apparently secure globally. Green needlegrass occurs from the plains of British Columbia to Saskatchewan, southward through Montana mostly east of the Continental Divide to Arizona and New Mexico. It is native to the Great Plains north of Kansas and to Wisconsin and Illinois in the east, but has been introduced in many parts of eastern North America. Hitchcock notes that east of the Mississippi, green needlegrass is often found along railroad right-of-ways.

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Reference Code: U87TIR02IDUS

Full Citation: Tirmenstein, D. A. 1987. Stipa viridula. In W. C. Fischer, compiler, The Fire Effects Information System [Data base]. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Intermountain Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT.

Location: PLANT EF: STIPA VIRIDULA