Photo Courtesy of Fernridge Landscaping

Mexican Feather Grass

Stipa tenuissima

Also called Needle Grass / Spear Grass

  • AKA Nassella tenuifolia, Stipa tenuifolia
  • Forms clumps of gray-green blades and thin seed stems
  • Feathery seeds are held on panicles
  • Silvery flowers lead to golden-tan seed heads
  • Bloom Time: Spring
  • Flower Height: 60 cm
  • Foliage Height: up to 50 cm
  • Grass Type: Cold Season

ZONE:
6

COLOUR:
Silver

HEIGHT:
45-60 cm

SPREAD:
30-45 cm

You must be logged in to
view availability and prices.
×

Growing and Maintenance Tips:


Native to southwest US, but listed as invasive in California.

Best grown in full sun and a well-drained soil. Clumps should be pruned in early spring before the new growth resumes.

This species performs as a perennial through zone 7 but is usually a reseeding annual in areas with colder winters.

Plugs are sold in full flats only.

Additional Notes about Mexican Feather Grass:


Cool Season Grasses: These grasses do the majority of their growing in early spring and start again when temperatures start to cool in the fall. During the warmer summer months, they stop growing and some will even go dormant. Cool season grasses flower in the spring or early summer. Most cool season grasses grow best in a consistently moist soil.
 

 

 

Characteristics & Attributes


GROWTH RATE:
Slow
ATTRIBUTES:
Fall Color
Deciduous
FLOWERING TIME:
Spring
HABIT:
Rounded
Clumping
FOLIAGE COLOR:
Green
Silver
LANDSCAPE USES:
Foundation planting