Nassella tenuissima | Mexican Feather Grass
DESCRIPTION
Nassella tenuissima is a delicate and graceful ornamental grass with fine-textured, wispy foliage. The plant features long, narrow green leaves that form loose, arching clumps, creating a soft, flowing effect in the landscape. As the season progresses, the foliage takes on a golden or straw-like hue, enhancing its visual appeal. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces airy, silvery flower panicles, adding movement and texture to gardens. The feathery seed heads give the plant a soft, ethereal quality, which makes it ideal for naturalistic or meadow-style plantings.
This drought-tolerant grass thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great choice for xeriscapes or low-maintenance gardens. Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively pest-resistant. Its lightweight appearance and graceful form make it an excellent addition to borders, mixed plantings, or as a ground cover, offering a gentle texture and movement that complements more rigid or structured plants.
DESCRIPTION
Nassella tenuissima is a delicate and graceful ornamental grass with fine-textured, wispy foliage. The plant features long, narrow green leaves that form loose, arching clumps, creating a soft, flowing effect in the landscape. As the season progresses, the foliage takes on a golden or straw-like hue, enhancing its visual appeal. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces airy, silvery flower panicles, adding movement and texture to gardens. The feathery seed heads give the plant a soft, ethereal quality, which makes it ideal for naturalistic or meadow-style plantings.
This drought-tolerant grass thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great choice for xeriscapes or low-maintenance gardens. Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively pest-resistant. Its lightweight appearance and graceful form make it an excellent addition to borders, mixed plantings, or as a ground cover, offering a gentle texture and movement that complements more rigid or structured plants.
DESCRIPTION
Nassella tenuissima is a delicate and graceful ornamental grass with fine-textured, wispy foliage. The plant features long, narrow green leaves that form loose, arching clumps, creating a soft, flowing effect in the landscape. As the season progresses, the foliage takes on a golden or straw-like hue, enhancing its visual appeal. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces airy, silvery flower panicles, adding movement and texture to gardens. The feathery seed heads give the plant a soft, ethereal quality, which makes it ideal for naturalistic or meadow-style plantings.
This drought-tolerant grass thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great choice for xeriscapes or low-maintenance gardens. Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively pest-resistant. Its lightweight appearance and graceful form make it an excellent addition to borders, mixed plantings, or as a ground cover, offering a gentle texture and movement that complements more rigid or structured plants.
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Family: Poaceae
Height: 12–24 inches
Width: 20–24 inches
Flower color: Tan, with airy, feathery seed heads that turn a golden-brown hue in late summer
Foliage color: Bright green, with fine, thread-like leaves that give a soft, flowing texture
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light requirements: Full sun
Water requirements: Drought-tolerant; prefers dry to average soil moisture
Maintenance: Low; may self-sow prolifically
Growing zone: USDA zones 7–10
Wildlife attractors: Not specified
