Mexican Feather Grass

Incredibly fine silky green to golden-blonde threads move with every breeze, creating a shimmering ethereal effect in sunny borders, gravel gardens, and contemporary plantings. (Stipa tenuissima)

$25.00

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Stipa tenuissima, also known as Mexican Feather Grass, is a graceful ornamental grass prized for its fine, airy green foliage that ripples elegantly in the breeze. In summer, soft plumes emerge, maturing to golden tones that persist into fall and winter, adding movement and warmth to the landscape. Heat and drought tolerant, deer resistant, and virtually maintenance-free, it’s perfect for naturalistic plantings, rock gardens, and modern borders.

In stock (400)

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Growing Information

Growing Zone Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Bright light

Type of Soil Neutral to alkaline

Mature Height 18 to 24 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Low watering (once every 2 weeks)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Fast-growing, forming airy clumps in a single season Can spread by self-seeding if not deadheaded
Colorful Leaves	Yes
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	Green
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	Yes
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Provides cover for insects and small wildlife in naturalistic plantings Seeds may be eaten by small birds
Self-pollinating	Cross-pollinating
Seasonality	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
Ideal For	– Naturalistic plantings, prairie gardens, borders, rock gardens, containers, modern landscapes, erosion control on dry slopes
Leaf Description	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
Flower Description	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
Pruning & Maintenance	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
Water Needs	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
Light Needs	Full sun is required for best growth, texture, and movement Can tolerate very light shade, but plants become less upright and airy
Harvesting	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
Fertilizing	Requires no fertilizer; thrives in lean soils Overfeeding reduces its delicate, airy texture and makes plants floppy
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Wind-pollinated grass producing small, inconspicuous florets Seeds are fertile and can self-sow in favorable conditions
Companion Plants	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