Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Nassella tenuissima
Mexican Feather Grass

- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 12–24 inches
- Width
- 20–24 inches
- Flower color
- Tan, with airy, feathery seed heads that turn a golden-brown hue in late summer
- Foliage color
- Bright green, with fine, thread-like leaves that give a soft, flowing texture
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Drought-tolerant; prefers dry to average soil moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; may self-sow prolifically
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7–10
- Wildlife
- Not specified
About this plant
Nassella tenuissima is a delicate and graceful ornamental grass with fine-textured, wispy foliage. The plant features long, narrow green leaves that form loose, arching clumps, creating a soft, flowing effect in the landscape. As the season progresses, the foliage takes on a golden or straw-like hue, enhancing its visual appeal. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces airy, silvery flower panicles, adding movement and texture to gardens. The feathery seed heads give the plant a soft, ethereal quality, which makes it ideal for naturalistic or meadow-style plantings.
This drought-tolerant grass thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a great choice for xeriscapes or low-maintenance gardens. Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively pest-resistant. Its lightweight appearance and graceful form make it an excellent addition to borders, mixed plantings, or as a ground cover, offering a gentle texture and movement that complements more rigid or structured plants.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Bee balm · Yarrow · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
