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Nassella tenuissima
Mexican feather/hair grass
Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila), New Mexico, and TexasLearn more
At a Glance
TypeGrass
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity1 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Nassella tenuissima (syn. Stipa tenuissima) is Mexican feather grass (Mexican hair grass), a semi-evergreen ornamental grass growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Extremely fine thread-like bright green foliage in spring, transitioning to gold-tan by late summer. Silvery-white to golden-tan feathery panicles from late spring through summer blend with the foliage. The entire plant moves in the slightest breeze — constant motion is the species feature. The species name 'tenuissima' means 'most slender' (Latin superlative) — the finest-textured commonly cultivated grass. In the grass family (Poaceae). Classified as invasive in California, parts of New Mexico and Texas, and Australia — self-seeds prolifically on disturbed ground. Do not plant near natural areas or where self-seeding cannot be controlled. Remove and dispose of seed heads before dispersal (do not compost). Native to Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila), New Mexico, and Texas. Cut the entire plant to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in late winter. Tolerates alkaline soil (pH to 8.0). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Full sun. Zones 7-9. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila), New Mexico, and Texas, growing on dry rocky slopes and open ground.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in gravel gardens, containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L), and dry borders in zones 7-9 where self-seeding can be managed. The ultra-fine texture and the constant motion in breeze. Classified as invasive — do not plant near natural areas. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Native.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to summer (May-July), lasting 6-8 weeks. Silvery-white to golden-tan feathery panicles blending with the fine foliage. The dried gold-tan foliage and seed heads persist through fall and winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Silvery-white to golden-tan feathery panicles, blending with the foliageFoliage Description
Bright green in spring; gold-tan by late summer; extremely fine and thread-like (the finest texture of any commonly cultivated grass)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Sharply drained lean soil. Tolerates alkaline (pH to 8.0). Classified as invasive — remove seed heads before dispersal, do not plant near natural areas. Cut to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in late winter. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 7-9.Pruning
Cut the entire plant to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in late winter (February-March) before new growth. Remove seed heads before dispersal to control invasive self-seeding. Dispose of seed heads — do not compost.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons