Finestem needlegrass (Nassella tenuissima)

Finestem needlegrass

Features and Characteristics

Nassella tenuissima, commonly called Mexican feathergrass, is a finely textured, clumping, perennial grass native to open, rocky scrublands and woods on slopes and plateaus of the mountainous Trans-Pecos region of Texas west to southern New Mexico and south into central Mexico. There is also a disjunct, native population in Argentina and Chile. Mature clumps can reach 1-2′ tall with an equal width. The light green leaves are very fine and upright. The foliage turns light brown in winter. Wispy, upright to gently arching panicles appear in summer bearing small, silvery yellow spikelets. The mature fruits have a thin, light brown, terminal bristle that can reach 2-4″ long, creating a feather-like appearance. Synonymous with Stipa tenuissima.

The genus name Nassella comes from the Latin nassa, a narrow-necked fishing snare.

The specific epithet tenuissima comes from Latin and means “thinnest”, most likely in reference to the narrow foliage.

The common name Mexican feathergrass refers to both part of the native range of this species and the feather-like appearance of the mature seedheads.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in evenly moist to dry, well-draining, sandy, rich loams in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of rocky and clayey soils as long as they are not overly moist. Tolerant of drought once established. Plants may go dormant during periods of summer drought. Cut the foliage back in late winter before new growth emerges in spring. Will readily spread by seed given the right conditions. Hardy in Zones 7-10 but generally grown as an annual in the St. Louis region.

Finestem needlegrass (Nassella tenuissima) Requirements

Hardiness zone	7 - 10
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Aphids and leaf spot diseases are potential problems. Overly wet soils will lead to root or crown rot. Self-seeding can be problematic. Check local laws and recommendations before adding this plant to your landscape. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

Uses

Provides a fine textured accent for rock gardens and mixed borders. Suitable for mass planting, containers, and erosion control.

Finestem needlegrass (Nassella tenuissima) Details

Common name	Finestem needlegrass
Botanical name	Nassella tenuissima
Plant type	Ornamental grass
Family	Poaceae
Hardiness zone	7 - 10
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Silvery yellow to light brown
Flowering period	June - September
Height	1 - 2 ft.
Width	1 - 2 ft.