Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feather grass) — Tufted

Overview

Stipa tenuissima is a tufted grass like in the genus Stipa, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Stipa tenuissima grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. It is low maintenance.

About

It is still widely referenced in botanical and horticultural literature under its synonym Stipa tenuissima, and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit under that name. Nassella tenuissima is a species of grass known by the common names Mexican feathergrass, finestem needlegrass, fineleaved nassella, and Argentine needle-grass. It is native to the south-western United States, northern Mexico and Argentina. It is well-matched to climate in Australia and can be harmful to the Australian environment. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, east-facing and north-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nassella tenuissima

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Stipa

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered

Plant details

Stipa tenuissima size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Grass Like
Habit: Tufted
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Stipa tenuissima?

Stipa tenuissima prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Stipa tenuissima need?

Stipa tenuissima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.