Mexican Feathergrass

(Nassella tenuissima)

Mexican Feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Nassella tenuissima, commonly known as Mexican feathergrass, finestem needlegrass, fineleaved nassella, and Argentine needle-grass, is a perennial grass native to the rocky open slopes and grasslands of New Mexico, Texas, Mexico and Argentina. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet, forming dense tufts of fine, hair-like leaves that sway gracefully in the wind. The delicate, feathery inflorescences emerge in spring and summer, adding a soft texture to the landscape. The plant’s aesthetic appeal lies in its movement and fine texture, making it popular in ornamental gardens for its visual interest and low maintenance.

Mexican feathergrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in xeriscaping, as a ground cover, and in mass plantings for erosion control. While it requires minimal care once established, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in regions with a Mediterranean climate. It is known to self-seed and spread rapidly, which has led to naturalization in areas like California and has raised concerns about its environmental impact in Australia.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1.5-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to the rocky open slopes and grasslands of New Mexico, Texas, Mexico and Argentina

Other Names

Common Names: Argentine Needlegrass , White Tussock , Fine-Stem Needlegrass , Witpolgras , Svansfjädergräs , Mexican Feather Grass , Mexican Needle Grass , Texas Tussock , Texas Tussock Grass , Angel’s Hair

Scientific Names: Nassella tenuissima , Stipa tenuissima , Stipa tenuissima f. colorata , Stipa geniculata , Stipa tenuissima f. nana , Stipa cirrosa , Stipa oreophila , Stipa subulata , Stipa tenuissima var. tenuissima , Stipa mendocina

GBIF Accepted Name: Nassella tenuissima (Trin.) Barkworth