Nassella cernua

Nassella cernua is a component of California and Baja California in native grasslands, chaparral, and juniper woodlands.[2][3] This bunchgrass is found in the California Coast Ranges and Transverse Ranges (U.S.), and Peninsular Ranges (U.S. & Mexico).[2]

This and many other native grasses of the California Floristic Province have declined because of the encroachment of introduced species of grasses, making native grasslands a very endangered habitat type, and this plant a listed Vulnerable species.[1]

The perennial Nassella cernua bunchgrass has stems up to 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) tall.[4] The narrow leaves have a waxy texture.

The panicle is open with bending or nodding branches.[3] The awn is up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.[5]

Nassella cernua is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental grass by specialty plant nurseries, for use in native plant and wildlife gardens, drought tolerant landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects.[4][6]

• Native grasses of California

• USDA Plants Profile for Nassella cernua (nodding needlegrass)
• Jepson Manual Treatment — Nassella cernua
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Information Network (NPIN): N. cernua
• U.C. Photo gallery — closeup image of flower, showing awns.