Needle and Thread Grass is a native bunchgrass of dry plains and prairies across western North America, with seeds tipped by extremely long, spiraling awns that help them screw into the soil when they fall. The 'needle and thread' appearance of the waving awns in wind is distinctive. It provides seeds for many grassland birds and is an important early-season grass for pronghorn.
Not certain it is a Needle and Thread Grass? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Needle and Thread Grass sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Needle and Thread Grass? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Needle and Thread Grass is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.