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The Finestem needlegrass (Nassella tenuissima) belongs to Poaceae (the Grass family). It is a pernnial herb that is distributed from the southwestern United States to Mexico, as well as Argentina and Chile. It grows on slopes in dry mountainous areas and grows 30-60 cm tall. The leaves are pale green, very fine, and erect. From June to September, small silver-yellow spikes are produced at the top of the stem. The fruit is a caryopsis, 5 to 10 cm long, light brown with fine terminal hairs that look like feathers. It is also known as "Stipa tenuissima". The specific epithet tenuissima comes from Latin and means "thinnest". The photo shows the garden variety 'Angel Hair'.
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