Alfa Grass Stipa tenacissima
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Macrochloa tenacissima
- Stipellula capensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- STEE-pah
- Description
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Esparto grass is a deciduous to evergreen perennial plant in the grass (Poaceae) family that is native to Western and Central Mediterranean countries. It is found growing in semiarid zones in dry alkaline rocky soils in clumps up to 3.5 ft tall.
The long linear leaves are gray-green and stiff up to 2 feet long. The flower spikes are formed on stiff upright stems. This plant needs rocky or sandy alkaline soil poor in nutrients and full sun. It can be used for erosion control on slopes, in naturalized areas or the back of a low-maintenance garden. It is drought and salt tolerant. This grass is generally not available for sale in the USA. See native grasses to the left.
The leaves are rich in cellulose making them useful for crafts and paper making. It is being investigated for possible medicinal uses.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Spreads by rhizomes and seeds. It has the potential for becoming invasive in non-native habitats such as the southwest USA.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Stipa
- Species:
- tenacissima
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- The fiber is used in crafts and even for making paper
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Northern Africa, Spain, Portugal, Balearic Islands
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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:
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Caryopsis
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Spike
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Silvery-brown flower spikelets have several long hairs and are surrounded by a long bract with a sharp point. Flowers appear in late spring to early summer.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Linear, grey-green leaves up to 2 feet long
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stiff erect stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Naturalized Area
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Poor Soil
