These two grasses are similar enough to hybridize naturally. Needlegrass may cause mechanical injury from the sharp florets becoming embedded in the skin or mouth. It may also aggravate hay fever and asthma conditions. It bears minute male and female flowers on the same plants. The stems terminate in clusters of tiny pinkish flowers.
Glochids easily detach from the plants and embed in the skin.
If this occurs, moisten the area with water and vigorously rub ordinary table salt on the place of intrusion. This will provide relief and will help work the glochids out of the skin. It is nearly impossible to remove them with tweezers, as they are very small and break off at the skin surface very easily. Its strong-flavored, resinous sap gives the leaves a polished look and deters browsing by animals. Theodore Payne Foundation is a non-profit, unendowed foundation dedicated to the propagation and preservation of California native flora.