Achnatherum thurberianum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Achnatherum thurberianum |
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A. thurberianum
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| Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth
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Stipa thurberiana |
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Achnatherum thurberianum is a type of grass often called Thurber's needlegrass. It grows naturally in the western parts of the United States. You can find it from Washington down to California. It also grows east into Montana and Wyoming.
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What is Thurber's Needlegrass?
Thurber's needlegrass is a plant that lives for many years. It grows in clumps, like a small bush of grass. Its stems stand straight up and can reach about 75 centimeters (about 30 inches) tall.
How Does It Look?
The grass often forms a round shape. This happens because the stems in the middle of the clump sometimes die first. The plant has a special flower cluster called a panicle. This cluster is narrow and can be up to 15 centimeters long. Each tiny flower part, called a spikelet, has a sharp point. It also has a long, hairy part called an awn. This awn can be 5 to 10 centimeters long, which is quite long for a grass seed!
Where Does It Grow?
This grass is very common in many plant areas in the western US. You can find it in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Basin. It is a very important plant in these areas. It often grows with other common grasses. These include bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. You might also see it with needle-and-thread grass.
Its Natural Home
Thurber's needlegrass likes to grow in places with sagebrush. It also grows in pinyon-juniper woodlands. These are forests with pine and juniper trees. This grass is a "climax species." This means it grows well in places that have not been disturbed by humans or big events.
Animals and Thurber's Needlegrass
This grass is an important food source for many animals. Both farm animals and wild animals eat it.
Who Eats This Grass?
- Cattle, sheep, and wild horses eat Thurber's needlegrass.
- Black-tailed jackrabbits often munch on it.
- Young pronghorn (a type of antelope) eat the grass when it is fresh and young.
When the grass gets older, its spikelets become sharp and hard. Because of this, many grazing animals avoid eating it then. But at this stage, birds and small mammals enjoy eating its seeds.
Shelter for Wildlife
Some animals also use this grass for protection. For example, the Sage Grouse uses the tall grass to hide. It helps them stay safe from predators.
