Mexican Feathergrass
Nassella tenuissima
Formerly Stipa tenuissima · also Stipa cirrosa
Also known as Fine-stem Needlegrass, Finestem Tussockgrass, Argentine Needlegrass
Climate Match for your location
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A fine-textured ornamental grass with delicate, hair-like foliage that creates an airy, feathery appearance and gentle movement in the breeze. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal water once established. Cal-IPC directly rates Stipa tenuissima as Limited for invasiveness.
Why grow it
Mexican feathergrass offers finer texture and more delicate movement than many native bunch grasses, making it useful where ornamental quality and visual lightness matter alongside drought tolerance. It requires less water than most decorative grasses once established and performs well in poor soils, though it is less cold-hardy than native alternatives in northern regions. For arid and semi-arid gardens, it provides an alternative to more coarse-textured ornamental grasses.
Watch out for
This grass performs best in fast-draining soil and may decline in areas with high humidity or summer rainfall, particularly in coastal regions where fungal issues can develop. In maritime climates, it often requires better drainage amendment than in its native habitat. The fine foliage can be easily damaged by foot traffic, so site it away from high-use pathways.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mexico
Native to: New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fine-textured ornamental grass with delicate, hair-like foliage that creates an airy, feathery appearance and gentle movement in the breeze. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal water once established. Cal-IPC directly rates Stipa tenuissima as Limited for invasiveness.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mexican Feathergrass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mexican feathergrass offers finer texture and more delicate movement than many native bunch grasses, making it useful where ornamental quality and visual lightness matter alongside drought tolerance. It requires less water than most decorative grasses once established and performs well in poor soils, though it is less cold-hardy than native alternatives in northern regions. For arid and semi-arid gardens, it provides an alternative to more coarse-textured ornamental grasses.
Watch out for
This grass performs best in fast-draining soil and may decline in areas with high humidity or summer rainfall, particularly in coastal regions where fungal issues can develop. In maritime climates, it often requires better drainage amendment than in its native habitat. The fine foliage can be easily damaged by foot traffic, so site it away from high-use pathways.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mexico
Native to: New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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