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. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include ornamental grass and prairie-style plantings. It is native to South-western United States, northern Mexico and Argentina.
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
About the genus
Stipa is a genus of about 140 species of large perennial hermaphroditic grasses collectively known as feather grass, needle grass, and spear grass. They are placed in the subfamily Pooideae and the tribe Stipeae, which also contains many species formerly assigned to Stipa, which have since been reclassified into new genera.
Wikipedia contributors, "Stipa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stipa
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
- UK hardiness
- H5
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
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, prairie-style plantings
- Native to
- South-western United States, northern Mexico, Argentina
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa tenuissima
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stipa tenuissima?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
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.
How do I prune Stipa tenuissima?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Stipa tenuissima grow?
Stipa tenuissima reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Stipa tenuissima hardy in the UK?
Stipa tenuissima has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Stipa tenuissima?
Division, seed.
More in the Stipa genus
Browse all Stipa →
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