Needle and thread grass - Stipa comata

Needle and thread grass
in the Sun Lakes area

Needle and thread grass
in sand dunes near Potholes Reservoir

Needle and thread bunchgrass in winter

Needle-and-thread grass resprouting in spring

Tall needle and thread grass

Needle and thread grass is an asthetically graceful bunchgrass that grows in Columbia Basin grasslands and into the Okanogan, preferring sandy soils. Indian children used to play darts with the seeds, which are very sharp.