Needle-and-thread grass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Needle-and-thread grass |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hesperostipa
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| Species: |
comata
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| Synonyms | |
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Stipa comata |
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Hesperostipa comata, often called needle-and-thread grass, is a type of grass. It grows naturally in North America. You can find it mostly in the western parts. This grass spreads widely from northern Canada all the way to Mexico.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Needle-and-thread grass is a perennial bunchgrass. This means it lives for many years. It also grows in clumps, not as single plants. Its stems stand straight up and do not branch out. They can grow up to about 1 meter (3 feet) tall.
The top part of the plant, where the seeds grow, is called the inflorescence. This part can be up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) long. Each mature seed has a special, long, spear-shaped part. This part is called an awn. It can be up to 19 centimeters (7.5 inches) long. The awn is hairy and spirals like a corkscrew.
How Its Seeds Move
The seeds of this grass have amazing parts that help them move. These parts are called hygroscopic extensions. They bend and twist when the air's moisture changes. This helps the seeds spread across the ground.
When a seed is released, its awn twists many times. If the air gets wet, the awn untwists. When it dries again, it twists up once more. This twisting and untwisting motion helps the seed drill itself into the soil. It's a very clever way for the plant to plant its own seeds!
Where Does It Grow?
This grass can live in many different places. You can find it in open grasslands. It also grows in pine forests. Young needle-and-thread grass is a favorite food. Prairie dogs and jackrabbits love to eat it.
Farmers also use this grass for their animals. It's good food for livestock in early spring. But once the long, sharp awns grow, it's not as good for eating. The awns can be sharp and cause problems.
Fun Facts and History
Explorers on the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition first wrote about this grass. They described it during their journey.
Needle-and-thread grass is very special in Canada. It is the official provincial grass of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada.
Many children enjoy playing with this grass. The seeds with their long awns can be thrown. They often stick to clothing, which kids find fun!
Images for kids
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Needle-and-thread grass in a field.
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Close-up of the seeds with their long, twisted awns.
