What's eating my purple needlegrass?

Purple Needlegrass, California's state grass, is tough and largely pest-free. Aphids are the most common visitor on young growth. Gophers and voles can damage roots and crowns underground. Grasshoppers graze blades during hot, dry summers. Rust fungus is possible in unusually wet winters. Deer rarely browse it. Established clumps require minimal pest management.

Colonies on fresh spring growth cause sticky honeydew, minor leaf curl, and possible sooty mould on blades. Blast off with a water jet; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; tolerate light levels — parasitic wasps naturally control them.

Underground feeding on roots and crowns causes sudden wilting, clump collapse, or complete plant death; mounds of soil appear nearby. Install wire mesh gopher baskets at planting; use underground hardware cloth barriers; trapping is the most effective control for established infestations.

Chew long strips along blade edges in summer, leading to ragged, browned foliage in hot dry years. Nolo Bait (Nosema locustae, a biological control) applied in early season; encourage natural predators (birds, blister beetles). Chemical control is rarely warranted for ornamentals.