Overview
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' is a clumping grass in the genus Nassella, part of the Poaceae family, with green to blue-green, fading to straw in winter foliage. Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, borders and containers. It is native to south-western United States, northern Mexico and Argentina.
About
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.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nassella tenuissima
About the genus
Nassella, or needlegrass, is a New World genus of over 100 perennial bunchgrasses found from North America through South America. The Latin word nassa refers to "a basket with a narrow neck".
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nassella
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clumping
- Foliage
- Green to blue-green, fading to straw in winter
- Suggested uses
- ornamental grass, borders, containers
- Native to
- south-western United States, northern Mexico, Argentina
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'?
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' need?
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' hardy in the UK?
Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' 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 'Pony Tails'?
Seed, division.
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