Mexican Feather Grass

Description:

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima), also known as Stipa tenuissima, is an ornamental grass known for its fine, hair-like foliage and graceful, flowing form. The delicate, thread-like leaves are bright green, turning to a golden hue in the fall. This grass produces airy, tan flower spikes in late spring to summer that sway gently in the breeze. Mexican Feather Grass typically grows to a height and spread of 1-2 feet, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and containers.

Growth Habit:

Mexican Feather Grass has a clumping growth habit with fine, arching leaves that create a soft, flowing effect. Its moderate growth rate and low, mounding form make it ideal for adding texture and movement to various garden settings.

Light Requirements:

Mexican Feather Grass thrives in full sun. It performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. It can tolerate light shade but may become leggy.

Watering Needs:

Mexican Feather Grass prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Regular watering is essential during the establishment period, but it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.

Soil Preferences:

Mexican Feather Grass prefers well-drained soil and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils. Amending the soil with compost can improve soil structure and fertility, providing optimal conditions for the plant.

Temperature Tolerance:

Mexican Feather Grass is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6-10. It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate both heat and mild frost. In colder regions, it may die back to the ground in winter but will re-emerge in spring.

Uses:

Ideal for adding texture and movement to garden beds, borders, and containers, Mexican Feather Grass is also perfect for use in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and as a ground cover on slopes and embankments. Its fine foliage and graceful form make it a versatile choice for both formal and informal garden designs.

Additional Notes:

Mexican Feather Grass requires minimal maintenance. Cutting back old foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring helps maintain its appearance and encourages fresh growth. It benefits from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Mexican Feather Grass is generally pest-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a reliable choice for various landscaping needs. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatments can help keep the plants healthy.