Grass Nassella Tenuissima Mexican Feather Grass

Grass Nassella Tenuissima, also known as Mexican Feather Grass, is a finely textured, clumping, perennial grass native to open, rocky scrublands and woods on slopes and plateaus of the mountainous Trans-Pecos region of Texas west to southern New Mexico and south into central Mexico. There is also a disjunct, native population in Argentina and Chile. Mature clumps can reach 1-2 feet tall with an equal width. The light green leaves are very fine and upright. The foliage turns light brown in winter. Wispy, upright to gently arching panicles appear in summer bearing small, silvery yellow spikelets. The mature fruits have a thin, light brown, terminal bristle that can reach 2-4 inches long, creating a feather-like appearance. Synonymous with Stipa tenuissima. Mexican Feather Grass is best grown in evenly moist to dry, well-draining, sandy, rich loams in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of rocky and clayey soils as long as they are not overly moist. Tolerant of drought once established. Plants may go dormant during periods of summer drought. Cut the foliage back in late winter before new growth emerges in spring. Will readily spread by seed given the right conditions. Hardy in Zones 7-10 but generally grown as an annual in the St. Louis region.

Zone: 7 to 10

Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet

Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet

Bloom Time: June to September

Bloom Description: Silvery yellow to light brown

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Dry to medium

Maintenance: Low

Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil