How much sun does Thurber Needlegrass need?

Thurber Needlegrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Thurber Needlegrass bloom?

Thurber Needlegrass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Thurber Needlegrass native?

Thurber Needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Thurber Needlegrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Thurber Needlegrass as toxic to livestock.

Is Thurber Needlegrass HOA-friendly?

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

Thurber Needlegrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Achnatherum thurberianum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Thurber Needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

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 452 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

Thurber's needlegrass is a native bunch grass that forms attractive clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads in summer and turns golden tan in fall, providing year-round interest in drought-tolerant landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Dormant winter appearance may look bare to some

Wildlife value

This grass provides excellent habitat and nesting material for small birds and supports various native insects. The seeds are an important food source for quail, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Thurber Needlegrass need?: Thurber Needlegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Thurber Needlegrass bloom?: Thurber Needlegrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Thurber Needlegrass native?: Thurber Needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Thurber Needlegrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Thurber Needlegrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Thurber Needlegrass HOA-friendly?: Thurber 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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