#828 Nassella tenuissima Common Names: Mexican feather grass, Mexican needle grass Family: Poaceae/Gramineae (grass Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #828 e-mail this page

The Mexican needle grass's delicate fine texture belie its toughness and drought tolerance.

Location
Mexican feather grass occurs naturally on rocky slopes, dry open woods and dry prairies from New Mexico and Texas south through central Mexico.

Culture
Mexican feather grass is easy to grow as long as the soil has excellent drainage.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Moisture: Mexican feather grass is highly drought tolerant.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 - 11. Mexican feather grass will stay green in winter, but go dormant during the heat of the summer.
Propagation: Mexican feather grass is usually propagated from seed. Large, well established plants may be divided, but this is not always successful.

Usage
Mexican feather grass is one of the finest textured of the ornamental grasses. Its hairlike foliage moves with the slightest breeze. Use it in rock gardens and as an accent to plants with a bolder texture. Mexican feather grass has a tendency to self sow, and therefore is well suited to the naturalized meadow. The silky flower clusters, with their long showy awns, add interest and softness to dried arrangements.

Features
Most of the feather or needle grasses are valuable forage grasses in their native range. They are classified as cool season grasses because most of their growth occurs during the cooler months. They go dormant during the hot, bone-dry summers in their native range. (Note that most of our ornamental grasses are warm season grasses.) Nassella was formerly included within the genus Stipa.

WARNING
Mexican feather grass often self sows abundantly and may spread out of its designated place in the garden. It's best to plant this one where you don't mind its invasive tendency.

Steve Christman 10/16/00; updated 1/29/04

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