Plants of the San Marcos Foothills Preserve
Stipa pulchra (Purple Needlegrass)
Uncommon, native, perennial shrub found in coastal sage-scrub plant community, but also on the edges of oak woodland. Flowers are yellow (aging red). Blooms in spring. Previous scientific name: Lotus scoparius.
Stipa pulchra (purple needle grass). NATIVE. Pictured in summer.
Stipa pulchra (purple needle grass). NATIVE. Pictured in winter.
Stipa pulchra (purple needle grass). NATIVE. Pictured in winter.
Stipa pulchra (purple needle grass) NATIVE. Pictured in winter soon after first rains (note resprouting from base).
Stipa pulchra (purple needle grass). NATIVE. Pictured in winter.