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Esparto Grass Stipa tenacissima

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Macrochloa tenacissima
  • Stipellula capensis
Phonetic Spelling
STEE-pah
Description

 

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:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#salt tolerant#ornamental grass#European#alkaline soils tolerant#clumping#poor soils tolerant#weed#full sun
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#salt tolerant#ornamental grass#European#alkaline soils tolerant#clumping#poor soils tolerant#weed#full sun
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stiff erect stems
  • 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