Mexican Feather Grass Nassella tenuissima

Mexican feather grass is a native plant in the grass (Poaceae) family that is native to the New Mexico, Texas, Mexico and Argentina. In Australia, it is considered an invasive plant that threatens the eucalypt woods and pasture grazing lands for sheep and cows. It is also becoming problematic in areas of CA. This is a great example of how beautiful plants are beautiful in their native areas but can become problematic in other areas.

The genus name Nassella comes from the Latin nassa, a narrow-necked fishing snare. The name tenuissima comes from Latin and means "thinnest", in reference to the leaves.

The feathery leaves are fine and sway in the wind. They are topped by spikes of silvery yellow spikelets followed by feathery-looking seed heads that have a 2-4 inch thin, light brown, terminal bristle. This plant is sometimes used as an ornamental but readily escapes the garden by producing 1000's of seeds. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual either in a pot or in the ground. It is drought tolerant but may go dormant during the hottest months in drought conditions. This plant will not do well in the hot humid conditions of the southeast. See alternative grasses in the left-hand column. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and leaf spot diseases are potential problems. Overly wet soils can cause root rot. Weedy