Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima)

Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) is a grass plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide.

This plant has several common names including: Mexican feather grass or Texas needle grass.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: Mexican feather grass, Texas needle grass
Scientific name: Stipa tenuissima
Plant type: Grasses
Habit: Tufted
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit

Seasonal colors

How to plant Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cultivation profiles – Growing Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) – Drew Avery, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons