Mexican Feather/Thread Grass

Plant Type: ornamental grass
Plant Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) – A Delicate and Low-Maintenance Ornamental Grass

Mexican Feather Grass, scientifically known as Nassella tenuissima (or Stipa tenuissima), is a beautiful ornamental grass native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. Celebrated for its fine-textured foliage and flowing movement, Mexican Feather Grass adds an elegant, airy quality to gardens and landscapes, especially in arid or low-water settings.

Key Features of Mexican Feather Grass

1. Fine, Wispy Foliage The standout feature of Mexican Feather Grass is its soft, hair-like foliage, which begins as a vibrant green in spring and gradually turns golden as it matures. This color transformation adds seasonal interest, creating a warm, natural look as the plant ages. The foliage’s fine texture and light, feathery appearance lend an elegant, fountain-like effect to the landscape, making it an ideal choice for adding movement and softness.

2. Feathery Seed Heads In late spring to summer, Mexican Feather Grass produces delicate, feathery seed heads that range from tan to golden, enhancing its visual appeal. These seed heads persist well into fall, creating a lasting and graceful presence in the garden. Their soft, airy look complements a wide variety of plants, adding contrast and texture.

3. Graceful Growth Habit With its flowing, fountain-like form, Mexican Feather Grass creates a natural sense of movement in the garden. The grass sways beautifully with the slightest breeze, adding dynamic motion and a peaceful, breezy feel to any landscape. Its delicate structure and wispy texture pair well with broader-leaved plants, making it a great choice for mixed borders, rock gardens, and as a soft ground cover.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or even rocky soils; adapts to nutrient-poor conditions.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; low water requirements make it ideal for xeriscaping.

Landscape Uses

Mexican Feather Grass is incredibly versatile and works well in various landscape applications. It’s ideal for:

• Mixed Borders: Adding a soft, textural contrast among other plants.
• Rock Gardens: Complementing succulents, cacti, and other low-water plants.
• Ground Cover: Forming a soft, natural carpet effect in low-maintenance areas.
• Containers: Adding height and movement to container gardens.

This grass is particularly well-suited for xeriscaping and desert landscapes, where its low water needs and ability to thrive in poor soils make it a sustainable choice.

Maintenance and Considerations

Mexican Feather Grass requires minimal care, but it’s important to note its prolific self-seeding tendencies. In some regions, it can naturalize aggressively, spreading beyond intended planting areas. Check local regulations regarding invasive species, and consider removing seed heads before they fully mature to limit self-seeding. Occasional trimming or thinning can also help manage its growth.

Summary

Mexican Feather Grass is valued for its graceful beauty, drought tolerance, and ease of care. Its ability to add texture, movement, and a wispy charm to the landscape makes it a popular choice for both residential and commercial settings. With thoughtful management, this ornamental grass can enhance low-water gardens, adding a touch of natural elegance and sustainability to outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Mexican Feather/Thread Grass

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart for optimal clumping growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Mexican Feather Grass grows upright and requires no staking, forming an airy, feathery clump

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Mexican Feather Grass is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks