What grass could possibly represent a state as big and diverse as California? A native perennial that ranges from the Oregon border south into northern Baja California, that’s what.
The most widespread native California bunchgrass, purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra; also Stipa pulchra) is a medium-large, long-lived, drought-tolerant grass well adapted to clay soils. It forms dense clumps of leaves up to one foot tall, with flower stalks up to two feet tall.
Purple needlegrass seeds are an important food source for various animal species. Native Americans even ate the seeds. During the period of Mexican control of California, Purple needlegrass was used for cattle grazing to support the cowhide and tallow industry. Today, it is an important forage species for California’s important cattle industry.
Once established, Purple needlegrass is tolerant of summer drought and heat. It can live more than 150 years and has been used in projects such as habitat restoration, erosion and levee control.
Purple needlegrass is one of the key components of California’s native grasslands, which were widespread in the Bay Area and beyond before introduced annuals from Europe took over. If planted more widely, it could reduce water use, prevent soil erosion, and even crowd out invasive weeds, thus reducing harmful pesticide applications or costly hand-weeding programs.
'..'Adoption
Stylized purple needlegrass serves as the logo of the California Legacy Project, created by Santa Clara University English professor Terry Beers to promote California literature and culture. Beers’ website says, “Purple needlegrass can extend roots deep into the soil and live for hundreds of years, a fitting symbol for California’s cultural legacy.”
Apparently, purple needlegrass was regarded as a “signature species,” with no notable political competition. In Bay Nature’s April-June 2004 issue, David Amme, author of Grassland Heritage, called purple needlegrass “the undisputed candidate for official state grass.”
Led by Executive Director, Frank Maurer, the Quail Ridge Wildlife Conservancy (QRWC) in Davis, which maintains a 2,000-acre reserve overlooking Lake Berryessa in Napa County, organized the grass-roots effort. The Conservancy’s efforts included several years of advocacy, education, and finding supporters for the idea.
The effort was also supported by the California Native Grass Association, the California Native Plant Society, the state Audubon Society and the Society for Range Management. In fact, the idea may have originated with the latter, which had reportedly sought official recognition for purple needlegrass since 1974.
The QRWC listed the following reasons for adopting purple needlegrass:
• This native perennial grass is a signature species for our state, since it is the most extensive and widespread native grass in California, with a range extending from the California-Oregon border to Baja California.
• It is a beautiful, hardy and long-lived plant (individual plants live up to 100+ years).
• Its seed was one of several used by many California Native Americans as a food source.
• During the period of Mexican ownership of California and the huge cowhide and tallow industry developed by the Mexicans, the grasses of the Central Valley, including Nassella pulchra, were the basis of cattle grazing and subsistence.
• It is an important food source for many animal species.
• The deep root systems (6-15 feet) of the grass support the survival of oak seedlings, especially in warmer areas of the state, by maintaining moisture in the soil for the seedlings and by promoting the growth of mychorrhizal fungi, which are important to the health of oaks.
• As a hardy, drought-resistant plant, Purple Needlegrass is very well suited for xeric (dry) landscapes and for restoration projects.
• Once established it aids greatly in suppressing the growth and spread of non-native invasive weeds, such as the well-nigh ubiquitous and noxious yellow star thistle.
• A state grass serves as both a symbol of and a tool for teaching about the natural environment of early California.
Senator Mike Machado (D-Linden) authored the bill, with support by Lois Wolk in the Assembly. The legislation, Senate Bill 1226, was backed by the California Native Grass Society, the California Native Plant Society and several other organizations. It was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on August 23, 2004. The law went into effect on January 1, 2005.
BILL TEXT
CHAPTER 243
FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 23, 2004
APPROVED BY GOVERNOR AUGUST 23, 2004
PASSED THE ASSEMBLY AUGUST 9, 2004
PASSED THE SENATE MAY 10, 2004
AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 26, 2004
AMENDED IN SENATE MARCH 17, 2004
INTRODUCED BY Senator Machado
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Wiggins and Wolk)
FEBRUARY 11, 2004
An act to add Section 425.10 to the Government Code, relating to State Grass.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
SB 1226, Machado. State Grass.
Existing law declares the official State Animal, Rock, Mineral, and Bird, among other official things.
This bill would make purple needlegrass, or Nassella pulchra, the official State Grass.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Nassella pulchra, or purple needlegrass as it is commonly known, is the most extensive and widespread native perennial bunchgrass found in the state, with a range extending from the Oregon border into northern Baja California.
(b) The seed of this grass species was one of several used by many California Native American communities as a food source. It remains an important food source for wildlife.
(c) During the period of Mexican control of California, Nassella pulchra was used for cattle grazing to support the huge cowhide and tallow industry. Today, Nassella pulchra continues to provide forage for California’s important cattle industry.
(d) The deep root systems of this grass support the survival of young oak trees by promoting mycorrihizal fungi, which are important to their health. With a lifespan of up to 100 years, Nassella pulchra provides food for more than 330 terrestrial species of life.
(e) Once established, Nassella pulchra helps repel the invasion of weeds and has been used for numerous restoration projects such as establishing a specific habitat for fauna, erosion control, and stormwater containment levees. It is hardy, drought resistant, desirable forage to livestock, and easily recognizable.
(f) Nassella pulchra burns more slowly than flash-burning annual stubble and speeds postfire recovery of burned habitat.
(g) Because Nassella pulchra is native to California, many who work with native plants and habitat restoration have already informally named this species as the State Grass.
(h) With new species of exotic grasses and weeds emerging everyday, it is important to recognize Nassella pulchra as a symbol of the heritage, splendor, and natural diversity found in the early days of California.
(i) Nassella pulchra is used as a teaching tool as a symbol of the natural environment of early California, and protecting the history of Nassella pulchra is essential to safeguarding this precious resource and enhancing grassland heritage throughout the state.
SEC. 2. Section 425.10 is added to the Government Code, to read:
425.10. Purple needlegrass, or Nassella pulchra, is the official State Grass.
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