Nassella tenuissima – Mexican Feather Grass is a graceful, fine-textured ornamental grass prized for its soft, flowing foliage and airy seed heads that move beautifully in the wind. Blooming in late spring to summer, this drought-tolerant, deer-resistant perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and modern landscapes. With its wispy, thread-like leaves that turn golden in fall, Mexican Feather Grass provides year-round texture, color, and movement in the garden. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it is perfect for mass plantings, erosion control, and naturalistic gardens.

Why Choose Nassella tenuissima – Mexican Feather Grass?

• Soft, Flowing Texture: Creates movement and adds a delicate touch to the landscape.
• Drought-Tolerant & Deer-Resistant: Thrives in dry, well-drained soils with minimal care.
• Multi-Season Interest: Green in summer, golden in fall, and provides winter structure.

Cultivating Tips:

• Best grown in full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
• Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils; avoid wet or heavy clay conditions.
• Trim back lightly in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh new growth.

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

Nassella tenuissima is perfect for modern landscapes, rock gardens, and prairie plantings. Its light, feathery foliage pairs beautifully with lavender, echinacea, and drought-tolerant succulents. Use it in massed plantings for a natural meadow look, or as a soft border along pathways.

Ecological Benefits:

While Mexican Feather Grass is not a native species, it provides habitat and shelter for beneficial insects. Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes and sustainable gardening.

Since Nassella tenuissima is not a native species, consider these native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Bluestem – A native, drought-tolerant grass with blue-green summer foliage that turns copper-orange in fall.
• Panicum virgatum – Switchgrass – A versatile native grass with airy seed heads that attract wildlife.
• Little Bluestem – Andropogon scoparium (Schizachyrium scoparium) – A native, drought-tolerant grass with blue-green summer foliage that turns striking copper-orange in fall, adding movement and texture to naturalized landscapes.