Little Parish’s Needlegrass: A Hidden Gem of the Great Basin
Meet little Parish’s needlegrass (Achnatherum parishii var. depauperatum), a lesser-known native grass that’s quietly making its mark in the arid landscapes of Nevada and Utah. While it might not have the flashy blooms of wildflowers, this perennial graminoid brings its own subtle charm to native gardens and naturalistic landscapes.
What Exactly Is Little Parish’s Needlegrass?
This native perennial grass belongs to the needlegrass family, known scientifically as Achnatherum parishii var. depauperatum. It’s also been called by the synonym Stipa coronata var. depauperata in older botanical references. As a graminoid, it shares characteristics with other grass-like plants, offering that fine-textured, graceful appearance that makes grasses so valuable in landscape design.
Little Parish’s needlegrass is proudly native to the lower 48 states, specifically calling Nevada and Utah home. This limited geographic distribution makes it a true regional specialty – perfect for gardeners looking to showcase plants that are authentically local to the Great Basin region.
Why Consider This Grass for Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit mysterious). While specific details about this particular variety are limited in research, we can make some educated guesses based on its needlegrass family traits and native habitat:
- Low maintenance: Native grasses typically require minimal care once established
- Drought tolerance: Coming from Nevada and Utah, it’s likely adapted to arid conditions
- Authentic regional character: Perfect for creating truly local landscapes
- Erosion control potential: Many native grasses excel at stabilizing soil
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for this variety aren’t well-documented, we can infer from its native range that little Parish’s needlegrass likely prefers:
- Well-draining soils (desert and semi-desert conditions)
- Full sun exposure
- Minimal water once established
- USDA hardiness zones approximately 4-8, based on its Nevada and Utah distribution
The Reality Check
Here’s the honest truth: little Parish’s needlegrass is somewhat of an enigma in the gardening world. Limited research and documentation mean that growing this particular variety comes with some uncertainty. If you’re drawn to authentic regional natives and don’t mind a bit of gardening adventure, this could be an intriguing choice.
However, if you’re looking for a more predictable native grass option, you might consider other well-documented needlegrass species or native grasses from the same region that have more established cultivation information.
The Bottom Line
Little Parish’s needlegrass represents the fascinating world of native plant varieties that are still waiting for their moment in the gardening spotlight. While it may not be the easiest native grass to grow due to limited cultivation information, it offers gardeners in Nevada and Utah a chance to work with something truly local and authentic.
If you decide to try growing this unique variety, consider it a contribution to native plant conservation and gardening knowledge. Just be prepared for some trial and error along the way – sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that keep us guessing!
