Grass - Stipa tenuissima

Provides cover for insects and small wildlife in naturalistic plantings

Seeds may be eaten by small birds

Spring: fresh green tufts emerge

Summer: airy flowers appear, foliage remains fine and fresh

Fall: foliage and flowers turn golden, offering warm seasonal tones

Winter: dried tufts persist, adding movement and texture until replaced by spring growth

– Naturalistic plantings, prairie gardens, borders, rock gardens, containers, modern landscapes, erosion control on dry slopes

Narrow, thread-like, bright green leaves forming fine, delicate clumps

Leaves turn golden in late summer to fall, creating a soft, feathery haze

Tufts move gracefully in the wind, adding constant motion to the garden

Silky, airy, oat-like flower panicles rise above foliage in summer

Initially pale green, maturing to golden tan

Flowers persist into fall, blending seamlessly with the foliage

Plant in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; thrives in poor soils where drainage is sharp

Choose an open, sunny site; avoid heavy clay or consistently wet soils

Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow airy tufts to sway freely in the breeze

Plant crown level with soil surface; do not bury too deeply

Best planted in spring for quick establishment before summer heat

Comb through clumps in late winter or early spring to remove old foliage; do not cut too low, as crowns can be damaged

Trim lightly during the season if tufts become untidy

Avoid heavy cutting back; the plant’s natural form is its beauty

Very drought tolerant once established; prefers dry to medium soils

Requires only occasional deep watering during prolonged droughts

Avoid consistently wet soil, which leads to rot

Full sun is required for best growth, texture, and movement

Can tolerate very light shade, but plants become less upright and airy

Plumes can be cut for dried floral arrangements; harvest when seed heads are golden and airy

Invasive self-seeding potential means seed heads may be removed after flowering if spread is not desired

Requires no fertilizer; thrives in lean soils

Overfeeding reduces its delicate, airy texture and makes plants floppy

Wind-pollinated grass producing small, inconspicuous florets

Seeds are fertile and can self-sow in favorable conditions

Pairs well with drought-tolerant perennials such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Salvia, and Gaillardia

Combines beautifully with silver- and gray-foliaged plants like Artemisia and Lavandula

Excellent with succulents, Sedum, and low-growing Mediterranean herbs

Blends into prairie and naturalistic plantings with other ornamental grasses such as Panicum, Miscanthus, or Pennisetum