Achnatherum occidentale subsp. pubescens

(Vasey) Barkworth
Common names: Common western needlegrass
Endemic
Synonyms: Stipa occidentalis var. pubescens Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens Stipa elmeri
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 24. Treatment on page 123.
Please click on the illustration for a higher resolution version.
Illustrator: Cindy Roché

Copyright: Utah State University

Culms 32-120 cm tall, 0.8-1.3(2) mm thick, basal internodes puberulent to pubescent. Basal sheaths usually pubescent, sometimes densely pubescent, occasionally glabrous; collars often with tufts of hair at the sides; blades 1-3 mm wide, adaxial surfaces pubescent to pilose. Panicles 10-30 cm; longest branches 2-7 cm. Glumes usually green; lemmas with apical pubescence similar in length to the basal awn pubescence; awns 24-50 mm, pilose on the first 2 segments, with hairs gradually becoming shorter distally, terminal segment scabrous or glabrous. 2n = 36.

Discussion

Achnatherum occidentale subsp. pubescens grows from Washington to California and eastward to Wyoming, at 1300-4700 m. It is the most widespread and variable subspecies of A. occidentale, intergrading with subsp. californicum, A. nelsonii, and A. lettermanii. It differs from the latter two in its shorter paleas and its pilose awns.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.
Mary E. Barkworth +
(Vasey) Barkworth +
Common western needlegrass +
Utah +, Wash. +, Colo. +, Mont. +, Alta. +, B.C. +, Idaho +, Calif. +, Wyo. +, Ariz. +, Nev. +  and Oreg. +
Stipa occidentalis var. pubescens +, Stipa lemmonii var. pubescens +  and Stipa elmeri +
Achnatherum occidentale subsp. pubescens +
Achnatherum occidentale +
subspecies +