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 AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 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

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies

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 AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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