STIPA. Needle grass. Ornamental bunchgrasses, widely distributed around the world. They have densely clustered stems, and the leaves are usually narrow and rolled inward. The flowering stalks often arch gracefully, well above the foliage. Most striking are the glistening flower heads, with needle-like extensions. They are especially beautiful when used as they appear in the wild, in meadows. They also provide a low-maintenance cover for banks and other large stretches of open ground. Sun, well drained soil, only occasional watering when established. Their hardiness varies according to origin.
arundinacea (Anemanthele lessoniana). Wind grass. New Zealand. A thick fountain of arching stems, up to 5’ high. The leaves are up to 1’ long, green at first, then heavily tinted with orange. The flower stems droop gracefully under the weight of many purple-tinged spikelets with short “needles”. Plants of this species need more or less constant moisture during active growth but have a distinct summer resting season, when they should be watered sparingly. Its hardiness is not well tested.
cernua ‘Benicia’ (Nassella c.). A native Californian, growing 2' or more tall. Both leaves and stems are an attractive blue green color, while the flowering/seeding heads have a beautiful silvery sheen. It is reputedly an adaptable and drought tolerant grass. 15oF or less.
gigantea. An elegant giant, as its name implies. The narrow, dark green leaves arch to 2½'. In summer the flowering stems rise to as much as 7', making a shimmering, straw-colored fountain. Obviously not a plant for the postage stamp garden! 15oF or less.
ramosissima. Australian plume grass. An imposing grass, showing its relationship to more familiar stipas only in bloom. It grows about 6’ high, with erect slender stems, each having several bamboo-like branches. The leaves are narrow, up to 1’ long and bright green in color. Open sprays of small glistening spikelets with slender “tails” grace the plant in late summer and fall. It thrives with moderate watering. Though its hardiness is not well tested; I would assume it to be around 20oF.