Columbia Needlegrass

Columbia Needlegrass should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the area's weather. In drier environments, this plant should be watered more regularly. When watering this plant, ensure that you water deeply, as this will encourage root growth and help it become more drought tolerant. When it is raining, you do not need to water the Columbia Needlegrass, as natural rainfall will provide the moisture it needs. During the summer, heat and wind can cause water to quickly evaporate from the soil. As such, it may be necessary to water this plant more often during summer months.

Columbia Needlegrass (Achnatherum nelsonii subsp. nelsonii) needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day in order to thrive. This should be distributed evenly with 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours later in the afternoon. During the summer months it can take advantage of longer days and benefit from additional exposure to sunlight in the late afternoon. However, extreme heat can cause the plant to suffer sun scald, so it’s best to be conscious of changes in temperature and the intensity of the sun during this period.

Columbia Needlegrass should be pruned at the end of its growing season, which is usually in late spring. Pruning should be done lightly and selectively in order to retain the attractive shape and form of the plant. Removal of broken, dead, or diseased stems should be done first, followed by the removal of any stems that are growing out of the natural silhouette of the plant. Pruning should be done at a height of approximately 4 to 6 inches in order to minimize the development of weak stems and maintain the overall structure of the plant. In the event of a severe drought or other extreme weather event, it may be beneficial to cut back the grass to within 2 inches of the ground to preserve the plant's health and vigor.