Sign In 
Get Premium New Mexico Feathergrass
(Stipa neomexicana)
New Mexico Feathergrass (Stipa neomexicana)
/
/
Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Stipa neomexicana, commonly known as New Mexico Feathergrass, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to the arid grasslands and desert scrublands of the Southwestern USA and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters). This grass features fine-textured foliage and delicate, feathery seed heads that sway gracefully in the breeze, adding movement and texture to the landscape. The flowering season extends from late spring to early summer, with the inflorescences persisting and providing visual interest even as they dry.
New Mexico Feathergrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used as an accent plant in rock gardens, borders, and meadow gardens. Gardeners appreciate its low water requirements and its adaptability to full sun and well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
New Mexico Feathergrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used as an accent plant in rock gardens, borders, and meadow gardens. Gardeners appreciate its low water requirements and its adaptability to full sun and well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Arid grasslands and desert scrublands of the Southwestern USA and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: New Mexico Needlegrass
Scientific Names: , Stipa neomexicana, Hesperostipa neomexicana, Stipa pennata var. neomexicana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Stipa neomexicana (Thurb.) Scribn.