Golden Feather Grass

(Stipa pulcherrima)

Golden Feather Grass (Stipa pulcherrima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Stipa pulcherrima, commonly known as golden feather grass, is a perennial grass native to the temperate grasslands and open woodlands of Eurasia. It typically grows to a height of 16 to 39 inches (40 to 100 centimeters). This species forms tufts of erect, conduplicate leaf blades that measure 7.9 to 15.7 inches (20 to 40 centimeters) in length and 0.039 to 0.059 inches (1 to 1.5 millimeters) in width. The plant is noted for its smooth, contracted panicles that are 3.9 to 5.9 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, which bear glabrous or ciliate spikelets that contribute to its golden appearance during the flowering season.

Golden feather grass is valued for its aesthetic appeal, particularly when its panicles catch the sunlight, creating a shimmering golden effect. It is often used as an ornamental grass in garden design, providing texture and movement within borders, rock gardens, and as a feature in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases and may require occasional grooming to remove old foliage and maintain its tidy appearance.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Temperate grasslands and open woodlands of Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Norfolk Feather Grass, Beautiful Feather Grass

Scientific Names: , Stipa pulcherrima, Stipa crassiculmis, Stipa crassiculmis subsp. euroanatolica, Stipa crassiculmis subsp. heterotricha, Stipa crassiculmis subsp. picentina, Stipa epilosa, Stipa epilosa subsp. montana, Stipa etrusca, Stipa glabrinoda

GBIF Accepted Name: