Little Nootka Grass
Calamagrostis 'Little Nootka'
Care
full sun, part shade
low
well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
1–2ft tall , 1–2ft wide
Jun-Sep
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Coastal grassland and scrub from coastal Marin County to Humboldt County, below 500 ft elevation
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern due to habitat loss and localized population declines
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Primary winter food source in California grasslands and chaparral margins
Year-round seed availability; important for breeding and wintering populations
Year-round forage; particularly important in winter months
Fall migration staging; seeds consumed during southbound passage
Insects
Grass architecture provides overwintering and breeding habitat
Mammals
Supplemental spring forage in grassland habitats
Spring green foliage during breeding season
Autumn seed cache accumulation for winter survival
Year-round seed foraging; important winter food source
Reptiles
Grass clumps provide cover and microhabitat for thermoregulation