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Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feather grass)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Stipa tenuissima
Other names
Mexican feather grass, Texas needle grass, Nassella tenuissima, Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails', Stipa tenuifolia , Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
Genus
Stipa Stipa
Species
S. tenuissima - S. tenuissima is a compact, deciduous grass. It is upright, with gently arching, fine foliage and feathery flower panicles in summer.
Stipa tenuissima is: Deciduous
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming
Flower
Pale-brown, Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer; Gold in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn or early winter after the leaves have died.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feather grass) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, City, Cottage/Informal
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in medium to light, moderately fertile soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Stipa tenuissima
Other names
Mexican feather grass, Texas needle grass, Nassella tenuissima, Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails', Stipa tenuifolia , Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'
Genus
Stipa Stipa
Species
S. tenuissima - S. tenuissima is a compact, deciduous grass. It is upright, with gently arching, fine foliage and feathery flower panicles in summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Pale-brown, Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer; Gold in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back in late autumn or early winter after the leaves have died.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feather grass) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, City, Cottage/Informal
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in medium to light, moderately fertile soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
Can I cut back Stipa tenuissima now in March and if so will it grow again for the summer?
Stipa Tenuissima
Stipa Tenuissima seedlings
Do I need to cut stipa tenuissima down now?
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