Search Utilities Plant Database Search by Plant Name Advanced Search Search by size, origins, color, cultural needs, etc. Website Search Search for any word Site Map Retail Locator Plant Listings PLANT TYPE PLANT GEOGRAPHY PLANT INDEX ALL PLANT LIST PLANT IMAGE INDEX PLANT INTROS SPECIALTY CROPS NEW  2021 PLANTS PRIME LIST   for JANUARY  Weather Station

Products > Nassella tenuissima   Nassella tenuissima - Mexican Feather Grass Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.   [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.  The information on this page is based on the research that we have conducted about this plant in the San Marcos Growers library, from what we have found on reliable online sources, as well as from observations made of our crops of this plant growing in the nursery and of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens where we may have observed it. We also have incorporated comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from those who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Nassella tenuissima.     [MORE INFO]