Diminutive Mexican and southern North American native ornamental grass with extraordinarily fine hair-thin foliage and silky pale flower panicles that sway in the lightest breeze.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 7–10 | −17.8 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 7–9 | −12 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–6 | −10 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Plant in masses or as edging — the fine texture and constant movement are the defining features, plants ripple and shimmer in even slight wind
- WARNING: Listed INVASIVE in California (banned for sale) and parts of southern Australia — abundant seed production and easy dispersal threaten native grasslands, do not plant in those regions
- Now formally classified as Nassella tenuissima by many botanists — same plant
- Drought tolerant and short-lived — replace every 3–4 years where it does not self-seed
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Mexican feather grass against your zones