Stipa cernua) is a species of grass known by the common name nodding needlegrass.

[2] This and many other native grasses of the California Floristic Province have declined because of the encroachment of introduced species of grasses, making native grasslands a very endangered habitat type, and this plant a listed Vulnerable species.

[1] The perennial Nassella cernua bunchgrass has stems up to 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) tall.

The panicle is open with bending or nodding branches.

[5] Nassella cernua is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental grass by specialty plant nurseries, for use in native plant and wildlife gardens, drought tolerant landscaping, and for habitat restoration projects.