Poaceae
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
Nassella tenuissima
A very low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ornamental grass. Give it full sun, well-draining sandy or rocky soil, and let it dry out between waterings. Cut back old foliage in late winter to make room for fresh spring growth.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
10° - 32°C
% - %
Categories
What is Mexican feather grass?
Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is a easy-care plant from the Poaceae family. Nassella tenuissima, also known as Mexican feather grass, is a fine-textured ornamental bunchgrass native to Mexico, Texas, and Argentina. It forms soft, silky, thread-like blades that ripple and shimmer in the slightest breeze, turning from bright green to golden-tan as the seed heads mature in sum...
Mexican feather grass grows up to 60cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 10 days, 10°C â 32°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Mexican feather grass tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Mexican feather grass is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Mexican feather grass?
TLDR: Mexican feather grass needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 10-32°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Mexican feather grass?
Water weekly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce to occasional deep watering only during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering â soggy soil is the main cause of decline and root rot.
How Much Light Does Mexican feather grass Need?
Needs full sun to thrive and produce its best silvery-golden color; tolerates light partial shade but growth becomes looser and less compact.
What Is the Best Soil for Mexican feather grass?
Prefers poor-to-average fertility, sandy, rocky, or loamy soil with excellent drainage; overly rich or waterlogged soil promotes rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Mexican feather grass?
Grows best directly in the ground or in a wide, shallow, unglazed terracotta container with drainage holes to mimic its native rocky, well-drained soil.
What Is Mexican feather grass and Where Does It Come From?
Nassella tenuissima, also known as Mexican feather grass, is a fine-textured ornamental bunchgrass native to Mexico, Texas, and Argentina. It forms soft, silky, thread-like blades that ripple and shimmer in the slightest breeze, turning from bright green to golden-tan as the seed heads mature in summer. Prized in xeriscaping and modern garden design, it thrives in poor, well-draining soil and full sun with minimal care once established. Note that it self-seeds readily and is considered invasive in parts of California and Australia.
How to Propagate Mexican feather grass?
Seed sowing
This species self-seeds freely; deadhead spent flower spikes if you want to prevent unwanted spread.
- 1 Sow seeds directly on the soil surface in fall or spring
- 2 Press seeds lightly into well-draining soil, do not bury deeply
- 3 Keep lightly moist until germination
- 4 Thin seedlings once established
Materials needed:
Clump division
Divide only vigorous, healthy clumps; older woody centers may not survive division well.
- 1 Dig up an established clump in early spring
- 2 Split the root ball into sections with a sharp spade or knife
- 3 Replant divisions immediately at the same depth
- 4 Water well until new growth appears
Materials needed:
How Big Does Mexican feather grass Grow?
TLDR: Mexican feather grass can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Mexican feather grass?
TLDR: Mexican feather grass is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Its soft, feathery blades that dance in the wind symbolize movement, ease, and letting go.
Fun Facts
Its hair-thin, silky leaf blades inspired the common name "angel hair grass."
Despite looking delicate, it is remarkably drought and heat tolerant once established.
The plant is considered a noxious weed in parts of California and Australia due to prolific self-seeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mexican feather grass toxic to pets?
How often should I water Mexican feather grass?
Is Mexican feather grass invasive?
Does Mexican feather grass need fertilizer?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | â |
