Achnatherum occidentale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Achnatherum occidentale |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Achnatherum
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| Species: |
occidentale
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Achnatherum occidentale, also known as western needlegrass, is a type of grass found in western North America. It's a tough plant that grows in many different places. You can find it from the cool mountains of British Columbia to the sunny fields of California and Colorado.
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Western Needlegrass: A Common Plant
What is Western Needlegrass?
Western needlegrass is a kind of grass. It's a "perennial" plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows in tight clumps, like a bunch of hair standing straight up. This is why it's called a "bunchgrass."
Where Does Western Needlegrass Grow?
This grass is native to western North America. It grows in many different types of places, called habitats. You can find it in various environments across British Columbia, California, and Colorado.
How Does Western Needlegrass Look?
Western needlegrass forms tight clumps of stems that stand upright. These stems can grow up to about 120 centimetres (47 in) tall, but sometimes they are much shorter.
The leaves of this grass are very thin, like hair. They are less than a millimeter wide. Sometimes, their edges might be rolled up.
The plant also has a special flower part called an inflorescence. This part can be up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long. Each tiny flower, called a spikelet, has a hairy part. It also has a long, stiff bristle called an awn. This awn can be up to 4 or 5 centimeters long and has two bends or kinks in it.
