Stipa comata Trin. and Rupr., needle-and-thread 
DESCRIPTION 
Cool-season, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 1 to 4 feet. 
Leaf blade: Basal leaves narrow, usually rolled inward, 3 to 
12 inches long; leaves along stem shorter and wider than 
basal leaves. 
Seedhead: Open panicle 5 to 10 inches long, loosely spread- 
ing; 1-flowered spikelet; each seed 3/8 inch long; lemma 
has slender awn usually 4 to 5 inches long, sometimes 9 
inches; part of awn next to seed tightly twisted and cov- 
ered with fine soft hair; tip end of awn rough and usually 
straight. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Grows in early spring and in late fall if moisture is available. 
Produces an abundance of basal leaves which stay green during 
most seasons. Reproduces from seed. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout Western States and Great Plains and in upper 
Yukon Valley in Alaska. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Primarily adapted to sandy or gravelly loam soils. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Needle-and-thread is grazed readily by all livestock, especially 
in early spring and late fall. Cures well on stem and provides 
good forage in fall and winter. 
Periodic grazing deferments of at least 90 days and proper 
grazing use allow this grass to make maximum production and 
keep it in balance with associated grasses. To prevent seed from 
injuring sheep and contaminating wool, remove sheep for 2 to 3 
weeks until seed ripen and fall to the ground. 
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