There is a misconception that native grasses are weeds when they actually provide immense habitat value for a diverse array of species.
This will be an ongoing feature as there are numerous native California grasses. So, one might say “there is a lot of ground to cover.” Native grasses once dominated California grasslands until the introduction of exotic grasses.
Native grasses provide immense habitat value by:
- Generating large amounts of biomass with their long roots and are crucial for maintaining ecosystem resilience.
- The diversity of grass species is utilized by a large array of insects, birds and other wildlife.
Butterflies such as Skippers lay their eggs on grass blades.
Grasslands are also home to a wide array of wildflowers, such as Sisyrinchium bellum, (Blue-eyed grass), Clarkia and Globe gilia.
Nassella pulchra – Purple Needle Grass is California’s state grass. In the Spring, it has an elegant character with delicate rose-purple threadlike inflorescences supported by tall, airy spikes. Its widespread distribution is an indication of how California’s grasslands were dominated by native grasses before the introduction of exotic grasses.
You will see Nasella pulchra mostly along the edges of the island. In late May we begin to cut them back.
Globe Gilia