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Products > Nassella tenuissima
 
Nassella tenuissima - Mexican Feather Grass

Note: This plant is no longer in stock. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.  
Image of Nassella tenuissima
[2nd Image]
Habit and Cultural Information
Category: Grass
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses)
Origin: Southwest (U.S.) (North America)
Evergreen: Yes
Flower Color: Golden
Bloomtime: Summer/Fall
Synonyms: [Stipa tenuissima]
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Seaside: Yes
Deer Tolerant: Yes
Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs
Winter Hardiness: <15° F
Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) - Wispy fine-textured clumping grass from Southwest U.S. and Mexico grows 1-2 feet tall. Flowers bloom a greenish color in summer to late fall and then mature to a golden color. Best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Let soil dry out between watering. Reseeds a bit in the garden - seems to be particularly fond of cracks in pavement and other semi-dry areas that get some runoff or only occasional irrigation. This plant has been recently (2007) included in the CDFA list of noxious weeds at the "C" (meaning control) level because of the tendency to reseed. While it is not illegal for nurseries to grow this plant, it is advised that Bay area and Southern California coastal gardeners be wary of planting it anywhere near a urban rural interface and riparian area where it may escape - too bad as it is a very attractive plant. It is also known as Texas Needle Grass. We received this plant from John Greenlee and grew it in our nursery from 1994 until 2007. 

Information displayed on this page about Nassella tenuissima is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.

 
San Marcos Growers closed for regular business at the end of 2025 as the property is being developed for affordable housing.
While our gates remain closed, we will open them by appointment so we can liquidate remaining plants, supplies and equipment. The plants remaining in the field are listed on our Live Inventory Page.
 
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