Green Needlegrass

General Description

Green needlegrass is a native perennial bunchgrass with available cultivars. Narrow leaves average 10-30 cm (4-12 in) long with prominent veins and a rough surface. Green needlegrass has deep fibrous roots to support its good yield which comes from lots of leaves all growing from the base (basal growth). The seeds are small and hairy with a short soft bent awn. Green needlegrass is nutritious and palatable throughout the growing season and winter.   

Type

Native grass.

Origin

Mixed Grass Prairie of North America. Cultivars/varieties have been developed.

Longevity

Long-lived.

Use

Pasture, reclamation, stockpiling.

Optimal Time of Use

Summer, fall, winter. Green needlegrass should be grazed between early summer and fall or can be stockpiled for fall or winter grazing.

Recovery After Use

For maximum persistence graze green needlegrass once per season. Recovery can occur within 60-80 days in cultivars.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Green needlegrass has an average digestibility ranging from 52% in May to 45% in September and crude protein levels ranging from 20% (spring) to 7 % (fall). Green needlegrass is very palatable and can decline in mixed stands due to selective grazing by livestock. Green needlegrass awns are not problematic to grazing livestock.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

305mm / 610mm

Drought Tolerance

Moderate to high tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Green needlegrass withstands saturated soils for approximately one week in the spring.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

It is suited to loamy to clay-loam soils in well drained but moist areas. It is naturally found on north facing slopes, in slight depressions, and between hills.

Erosion Control

Once established, green needlegrass has good soil holding characteristics and adds high levels of organic matter to the soil.

Salinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

No tolerance. Tolerates soil pH above 6.6.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low to moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

399,000 seeds/kg (181,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Producers have successfully grown green needlegrass with meadow bromegrass, western wheatgrass and legumes in mixed stands and other native species for reclamation.

Ease of Establishment

Green needlegrass seeds require a period of cold or vernalization prior to germination. New cultivars germinate more readily than earlier cultivars. Once seedlings emerge they are vigorous. Cultivars easily spread from seed within a field.

Competitiveness

Green needlegrass cultivars have proven competitive in mixed stands once established. Practice good weed control before seeding.

Management Considerations

To maintain productivity, provide adequate rest following defoliation and include a legume in the stand or fertilize with nitrogen fertilizer.