How much sun does Lemmon's Needlegrass need?

Lemmon's Needlegrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Lemmon's Needlegrass bloom?

Lemmon's Needlegrass blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Lemmon's Needlegrass native?

Lemmon's Needlegrass (Achnatherum lemmonii) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Lemmon's Needlegrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lemmon's Needlegrass as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Lemmon's Needlegrass attract?

Lemmon's Needlegrass draws bees and beetles.

Is Lemmon's Needlegrass HOA-friendly?

Lemmon's Needlegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Lemmon's Needlegrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Achnatherum lemmonii

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Lemmon's Needlegrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Lemmon's needlegrass is a compact native bunch grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured blue-green foliage. It produces delicate seed heads in late spring and early summer, adding graceful movement to the landscape while requiring minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lemmon's Needlegrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This grass provides nectar for bees and beetles during its blooming period from May through July. The seeds also offer food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Lemmon's Needlegrass need?: Lemmon's Needlegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Lemmon's Needlegrass bloom?: Lemmon's Needlegrass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Lemmon's Needlegrass native?: Lemmon's Needlegrass (Achnatherum lemmonii) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Lemmon's Needlegrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lemmon's Needlegrass as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Lemmon's Needlegrass attract?: Lemmon's Needlegrass draws bees and beetles.
Is Lemmon's Needlegrass HOA-friendly?: Lemmon's Needlegrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Lemmon's Needlegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz