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Mexican Feather Grass

Nassella Tenuissima

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Overview

Mexican Feather Grass, Nassella tenuissima, is a graceful, fine-textured perennial, waving feather-like panicles at 1.5-2 feet tall. Thriving in zones 7-10, it prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soils. Drought-tolerant, it's ideal for xeriscapes with its golden-green foliage transitioning to a tawny hue in fall. Space 20 inches apart for a breezy, low-maintenance accent in borders or mass plantings. Avoid over-watering to prevent self-seeding.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Very LowZones 7–10Type Grass
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — waving feather-like panicles at 1.5-2 feet tall

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Grass
Family
Poaceae

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Photos (91)

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — which enables it to spread if not monitored, image 35
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — which enables it to spread if not monitored
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — Space 20 inches apart for a breezy, low-maintenance accent in borders or mass plantings; thriving in zones 7-10
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — adding ecological value to the designed space; grass with white and yellow blooms
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — Nassella tenuissima can serve as an accent plant
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — white and yellow flowers in the garden
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — grass with white and yellow blooms
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — while its distinctive seed heads can attract birds
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — or even perform as a captivating border specimen
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — white and yellow flowers in the garden; feathery panicles and fine-textured foliage, image 67
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — waving feather-like panicles at 1.5-2 feet tall; space 20 inches apart for a breezy, low-maintenance, image 70
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — from well-draining to rocky substrates; drought-tolerant, it's ideal for xeriscapes with its golden-green foliage
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — or even perform as a captivating border specimen; waving feather-like panicles at 1.5-2 feet tall, image 63
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — Its movement in the breeze adds a dynamic element to any garden setting
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — waving feather-like panicles at 1.5-2 feet tall; space 20 inches apart for a breezy, low-maintenance, image 47
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types; while its distinctive seed heads can attract birds, image 59
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — Its movement in the breeze adds a dynamic element to any garden setting; bright green blades, image 64
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — be mass-planted for a textured groundcover effect; or even perform as a captivating border specimen
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — grass for full or half or shade; adding ecological value to the designed space
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — It flourishes in USDA zones 7 through 10, preferring full sun exposure for optimal growth; white and yellow
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — consider its penchant for self-seeding; avoid over-watering to prevent self-seeding, image 57
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — white and yellow flowers in the garden; feathery panicles and fine-textured foliage
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) — or even perform as a captivating border specimen; waving feather-like panicles at 1.5-2 feet tall

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners

Photographs by 10 contributors

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