Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass is Nassella tenuissima, formerly treated as Stipa tenuissima, with very fine leaves that move in the slightest breeze. Its airy seedheads add texture, but the species can self-seed freely and has become invasive in some regions. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nassella-tenuissima/) ## Garden character The narrow green foliage forms a soft, arching clump, topped by silvery-yellow spikelets and light-brown feathery seedheads. NC State Extension describes it as drought tolerant, though it may become dormant during hot, dry periods; overly wet soil can lead to root rot. The profile notes problems with escape in parts of California and Australia, so local invasive-plant guidance matters before planting. ## Maintenance Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid persistently wet sites, and trim or remove seedheads before they shed where self-seeding is a concern. In colder climates it can be treated as an annual or grown in a container. It is not well suited to hot, humid southeastern conditions; choose a locally adapted ornamental grass there.