// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Needle and thread

Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata

Needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Blooms Jun–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 25 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: —
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jun–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata) — *Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata* — Needle and thread. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Blooms Jun–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, needle and thread pairs naturally with: Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis), Awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Smooth brome (Bromus inermis).