Stipa tenuissima
Mexican Feather Grass
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Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Description
For such a dainty, delicate looking grass, this is a tough customer. Its weeping vase form with wispy hair thin grass is impressive when touched by the wind. The effect is truly mesmerizing when planted in large groups as the wind ripples through this grass like waves in the open ocean. Mexican Feather Grass works great as a specimen plant as well and is effective in containers and drought tolerant gardens. A medium sized grass that tops out at 2' high won't overwhelm, unless it is so happy that it starts to naturalize itself. This invasive tendency can happen easy in zones 8 through 10, but is not necessarily a bad thing!
Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Blooming
Produces flattened spikelets with feathery awns between early summer and fall.
Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Growth
Evergreen or deciduous, perennial grasses that are tufted and bristly. Stipas do well in the sun and plant height varies depending on species. One species of Stipa will grow to 3 ft. tall. S. arundinacea tolerates partial shade. Stipa works well in a mixed or shrub border. The inflorescences are suitable for cutting, and are often dyed to use as part of a flower ensemble.
Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring, in containers in a cold frame (for protection and to ensure hardiness). Can also propagate by division in mid-spring to early summer.
Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Pest
Stipa is prone to brown stripe, eye spot, smut, brown patch, rust, and damping off.
Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Interesting facts
Stipa is found in temperate and warm-temperate areas across the globe. There are around 300 known species, spotted mainly in open woodlands and stony slopes.
Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Soil and irrigation
Irrigation needs vary depending on species. S. gigantea requires ample water until it is established. S. tenuissimus requires regular waterings. Does best in moderately fertile, medium-light soil with good drainage. S. arudinacea withstands heavy soils.
