Golden Feather Grass
(Stipa pulcherrima)
Golden Feather Grass (Stipa pulcherrima)
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© Grzegorz Grzejszczak
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Grzegorz Grzejszczak
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Grzegorz Grzejszczak | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: grzegorz_grzejszczak | Publisher: iNaturalist |

























Estimated Native Range
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
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: