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Native Plant Society of Texas

Mexican Feathergrass

Nassella tenuissima

Mexican Wiregrass, Finestem Needlegrass, Ponytail Grass, Texas Tussock

Photo Credit: Paul Montgomery
Photo Credit: Paul Montgomery
Photo credit: Claire Sorenson
Photo credit: Claire Sorenson
Photo Credit: Paul Montgomery
Photo Credit: Paul Montgomery
NPSOT NTX, NLCP Level 1; Marie-Theres Herz; Herbarium Sheet
NPSOT NTX, NLCP Level 1; Marie-Theres Herz; Herbarium Sheet
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Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map (hover for ecoregion names)

Native Habitat: Grassland, Woodland
Chihuahuan Deserts

Maintenance

Requires good drainage and can’t take excessive moisture. Should not be watered heavily more than once a week. May rot under heavy mulch.

Comments

Nassella tenuissima is popular in landscaping for its delicate, thread-like leaves. Goes dormant during drought and in winter. Grows well in containers. In nature it grows on rocky slopes, frequently in oak or pine associations but also in open, exposed grasslands. Its native range extends from the southwestern United States into northern Mexico.

Growth Form

Grass & Sedge

Height

1 to
3 ft

Spread

1 to
3 ft

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Clay, Acid, Alkaline, Calcareous, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Summer

Seasonal Interest

Unknown

Wildlife Benefit

Unknown

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Previous Scientific Name(s): Synonym/s: Stipa tenuissima

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=NATE3. 3) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=18615&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 4) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Nassella+tenuissima&formsubmit=Search+Terms, 5) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=507085#null

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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