Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)
Mexican Feather Grass, Nassella Tenuissima, Texas Needle Grass, Nassella Tenuissima, Stipa tenuifolia
Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) is an exceptionally lovely and graceful ornamental grass that exhibits silvery-green thread-like leaves in late spring, that sway gracefully in the slightest breeze, delicately softening any landscape. All summer, it bears abundant feathery panicles, which are held a little above the foliage and can be used in dried arrangements. Native to the Americas, this perennial grass provides a fairly long-lasting display with its airy silky green leaves turning golden brown towards fall.
- Translucent, this deciduous grass mixes beautifully with almost any flowering bulb or perennial to create spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations.
- Growing easily in a dense fountain-like clump about 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and across, it enjoys full sun and medium to light, moderately fertile, well-drained soils.
- Drought, rabbit, and deer tolerant, Stipa tenuissima requires very little care.
- A graceful accent plant for beds or borders, city or cottage gardens that also does well in containers. Wonderful plant for naturalized meadows thanks to its ability to self-sow.
- Generally pest and disease free!
- Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Divide from mid-spring to early summer.
- Native in North America only to mountains in west Texas and adjacent New Mexico south to central Mexico.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Stipa - Feather Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Photos Botanik Foto, Clive Nichols, Harpur
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Stipa - Feather Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow |