Letterman’s Needlegrass: A Tough Western Native for Water-Wise Gardens
If you’re searching for a hardy, drought-tolerant grass that won’t demand constant attention, Letterman’s needlegrass (Achnatherum lettermanii) might just be your new gardening companion. This unassuming perennial bunch grass has quietly been thriving across the American West for centuries, and it’s ready to bring that same resilience to your landscape.
Meet This Western Wonder
Letterman’s needlegrass goes by the botanical name Achnatherum lettermanii, though you might also see it listed under its older scientific name, Stipa lettermanii. This native perennial grass forms neat, compact bunches that reach about 2 feet tall with a semi-erect growth habit. Don’t expect flashy blooms – its yellow flowers are fairly inconspicuous, and the brown seeds that follow won’t stop traffic either. But sometimes, the most reliable garden performers are the quiet ones.
Where It Calls Home
This grass is a true child of the American West, naturally occurring across ten states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. It’s adapted to the challenging conditions of western landscapes – from high desert plateaus to mountain foothills.
Why Your Garden Might Love It
Letterman’s needlegrass isn’t trying to be the star of your garden show, but it excels at being a reliable supporting player. Here’s what makes it worth considering:
- Drought champion: With high drought tolerance and low water needs, it’s perfect for xeriscaping
- Low maintenance: Slow growth rate means less frequent care once established
- Fire resistant: High fire tolerance makes it suitable for fire-prone areas
- Native credentials: Supports local ecosystems and requires no guilt about invasiveness
- Cold hardy: Tolerates temperatures down to -28°F
Perfect Garden Roles
This grass shines in specific landscape situations. Consider Letterman’s needlegrass for:
- Native plant gardens and prairie restorations
- Xeriscapes and water-wise landscapes
- Naturalistic plantings in western-themed gardens
- Erosion control on slopes (thanks to its 12-inch minimum root depth)
- Low-maintenance areas where you want texture without fuss
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
The beauty of Letterman’s needlegrass lies in its simple needs. This grass prefers:
- Soil: Coarse to medium-textured soils (avoid heavy clay)
- pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.6)
- Water: Low moisture requirements (6-20 inches annual precipitation)
- Sunlight: Full sun (shade intolerant)
- Fertility: Low nutrient needs – actually prefers lean soils
- Climate: Needs at least 90 frost-free days
Planting and Care Tips
Getting Letterman’s needlegrass established requires patience but not perfection:
- Propagation: Grow from seed (about 225,000 seeds per pound!)
- Planting time: Spring planting works best for establishment
- Germination: Seeds show high vigor once they get going
- Growth expectations: Slow growth rate means patience during the first year
- Maintenance: Minimal once established – this grass doesn’t resprout after cutting
- Availability: Currently available through contracting only, so plan ahead
Setting Realistic Expectations
Letterman’s needlegrass won’t give you the instant gratification of faster-growing alternatives. Its moderate lifespan and slow growth mean you’re making a long-term investment. The payoff? A grass that asks for very little while providing steady, reliable performance year after year.
This isn’t the grass for high-traffic areas or formal landscapes. But if you’re creating a naturalistic western garden, restoring native habitat, or simply want a drought-tolerant grass that won’t quit on you during dry spells, Letterman’s needlegrass deserves serious consideration. Sometimes the best garden companions are the ones that quietly do their job without demanding the spotlight.
