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Nassella tenuissima

Previously known as:

  • Stipa tenuissima
Phonetic Spelling
nas-SEL-lah ten-yoo-ISS-ih-mah
Description

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

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#slopes#ornamental grass#rabbit resistant#deer resistant#children's garden#playground plant#rock garden#shimmer#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#slopes#ornamental grass#rabbit resistant#deer resistant#children's garden#playground plant#rock garden#shimmer#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Nassella
    Species:
    tenuissima
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Central U.S.A. to Mexico and Argentina
    Play Value:
    Textural
    Wind Shimmer
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Clumping
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Very Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
    Fruit Description:
    1000's of seeds produced in the caryopsis
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Gray/Silver
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Silvery inflorescence from summer to fall.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Dense green fountain of hair-like leaves that are rolled inward. Turns light brown in winter
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Upright stems are green maturing to tan
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Recreational Play Area
    Rock Wall
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Erosion
    Problems:
    Weedy