Nassella tenuissima

This billowy, low-maintenance Ornamental Grass softens the look of landscapes and gardens, its slender green, hair-like leaves blowing in the breeze and adding motion to borders and beds. Nassella tenuissima, commonly known as Mexican Feather Grass, has ponytail flowers that appear in summer, capping the foliage with long awns that shimmer in slanting light. Toward autumn, the flowers turn a warm wheat color, adding interest to late season gardens. Also known as Stipa tenuissima.

We categorize this plant as an 'Annual' because it does not survive winter here in our Zone 6 location in Connecticut, so we enjoy a single season display. This plant is truly a tender perennial and will return year after year in warmer areas of the country, perennial for Zones 7 to 9.

The genus Nassella is a group of 80-100 species of perennial Grass, native to the grasslands and prairies of North and South America. Plants are typically bunch-forming perennials with narrow, linear leaves, often recognized for their fine-textured, tufted growth habits and their adaptability to dry or well-drained soils. They are cool-season Grasses, establishing growth in the spring and actively growing during cooler months. They often remain green and attractive all winter, or may take on a lovely, dried-wheat color in more temperate climates. Ideal for mass plantings, as an accent in rock gardens, or used in borders, Nasella offers texture, movement, and a natural, airy quality to garden and landscape designs. For gardeners, its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements make it a valuable addition to sustainable and water-wise gardens. Combine with other plants that appreciate the same conditions such as Eryngiums, or Achilleas. In hot dry areas you may want to deadhead to control self-sowing. They are perennial in Zones 7-10 and are grown as an annual in the North.

For information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.