Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima, formerly Stipa tenuissima) is a fine-textured, ornamental grass known for its graceful, feathery plumes and soft, flowing foliage. The slender, green blades transition to a golden tan in late summer, providing year-round interest. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and naturalized landscapes.

Grow Zone

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10

• Can be grown as an annual in colder climates

Height & Width

• Height: 18-24 inches

• Width: 18-24 inches

• Forms a clumping, airy mound that gently sways in the wind

Uses

• Drought-tolerant landscapes and xeriscaping

• Rock gardens and dry borders

• Erosion control on slopes due to its fibrous root system

• Pollinator and wildlife-friendly gardens (provides shelter for small insects and birds)

• Mixed plantings with perennials and wildflowers

• Container gardens for a soft, wispy effect

Native Range

Mexican Feather Grass is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America, where it thrives in dry, open grasslands and rocky slopes.

Growing Requirements

Light

• Prefers full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day)

• Can tolerate partial shade, but growth may be less vigorous

Soil

• Well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil

• Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

• Tolerates poor soils but dislikes heavy clay or overly rich, fertilized soil

Watering

• Drought-tolerant once established

• Water lightly and infrequently to prevent rot

• Avoid excessive irrigation, especially in humid climates

Fertilization

• Not required; thrives in nutrient-poor soils

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage excessive growth and floppiness

Pruning & Maintenance

• Trim back lightly in early spring to remove dead growth and encourage fresh foliage

• Do not over-prune, as it may weaken the plant

• Self-seeds readily, so be mindful of potential spread in certain regions

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.