Mexican Feather Grass

Nassella tenuissima · Ornamental grass

Mexican Feather Grass is a moderate-growing ornamental grass, hardy in USDA zones 7-10, that matures to about 1–2 ft × 1–2 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect yellow, silver and white blooms in summer and fall. It stands up well to deer and drought and erosion.

Restricted in CA.

Listed as a noxious weed in California — please don't plant this one.

USDA zones: 7-10
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Low
Mature size: 1–2 ft × 1–2 ft
Spacing: 12 in-3 ft
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Very-dry
Foliage: Silver, Green
Bloom color: Yellow, Silver, White
Bloom season: Summer, Fall
Tough against: Deer, Drought, Erosion
Watch out for: Spreads weedily
Native to: Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, Argentina

Will it survive your winters?

We score Mexican Feather Grass’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10