Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Family: Poaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Stipa tenuissima Trinius

Nassella tenuissima has a one-flowered spikelet that has a 4-10cm long, very fine awn with one or two bends in it. The leaves are long, but very thin-- about 1mm wide. The awns become tangled in the inflorescence and form a tangled mess. Nassella tenuissima is used as an ornamental and escapes cultivation easily and prolifically such that it is considered a noxious weed in some areas.

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Nassella tenuissima, photo Russ Kleinman, Grant County, Silver City, south side of Market Street just east of C Street, July 26, 2026

Nassella tenuissima, inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Grant County, Silver City, south side of Market Street just east of C Street, July 26, 2026

Nassella tenuissima, inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Grant County, Silver City, south side of Market Street just east of C Street, July 26, 2026

Nassella tenuissima, closeup of inflorescence in lab, photo Russ Kleinman, Grant County, Silver City, south side of Market Street just east of C Street, July 26, 2026

Nassella tenuissima, grain and awn, photo Russ Kleinman, Grant County, Silver City, south side of Market Street just east of C Street, July 26, 2026

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