Mexican Feather Grass
Nassella tenuissima
Full sun
Once established, needs only occasional watering.
THIS PLANT MAY BE AVAILABLE IN THESE STORES:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting.
- 101 Market
8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e. Otsego MN 55330
- 14th Street Garden Center
793 Jersey Ave. Jersey City NJ 07303
- 3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse
1110 3rd Ave. West Dickinson ND 58601
- 4 Ever Green Ldsp. & Dgn
21457 214th Circle Ave Milford IA 51351
Lore | Mexican feathergrass often self-sows abundantly and may spread out of its designated place in the garden. It is an extremely vigorous grass, and can crowd pasture species as well as native grasses in coastal areas. In Argentina, where Mexican feathergrass is native, it is regarded as an unpalatable grass (Moretto & Distel 1998). The grass forms indigestible balls in the stomach of livestock and, Mexican feathergrass can become dominant under continual heavy grazing pressure with a low frequency of high-intensity fire (Distel & Boo 1995). Monrovia does not ship this grass to California. |
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Average Size at Maturity | Forms airy clumps 12 to 24 in. tall and as wide; 30 in. tall in bloom. |
Bloom Time | Summer |
Design Ideas | Beautifull grown in masses, this is a candidate for rock gardens, dry streambeds and next to landscape boulders. Grow as a single accent or in a small cluster among other drought- and heat-resistant perennials for unique color and texture variation. Excellent choice in Mexican ceramic pots for an artistic statement in Santa Fe-style garden. In California, substitute dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'), Blonde Ambition blue gamma grass (Bouteloua gracilis), or prairie dropseed (Sporobolus airoides) for a similar effect in the landscape. |
Deciduous/ Evergreen | Herbaceous |
Flower Color | Brown |
Foliage Color | Light Green |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Landscape Use | Green Roof |
Light Needs | Full sun |
Soil Needs | All-Purpose Plant Food |
Special Feature | Clump Forming, Naturalizes Well, North American Native Selection, Waterwise |
Water Needs | Low |
Watering Needs | Once established, needs only occasional watering. |
Provide a well drained soil and water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Reduce watering after establishment. Prune off or rake out dead foliage before new foliage emerges.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 6-10

Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant