Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)

Nassella tenuissima, also commonly known as Mexican feather grass and occasionally referred to as Stripa tenuissima, is a perennial cool-season grass native to the American southwest and Central America. Noted for its soft, fine foliage and attractive billowy growth behavior, Mexican feather grass makes an excellent addition to any landscape with its small stature and softy, feathery appearance; when placed in rock gardens, however, Nassella tenuissima is simply striking.

Growing to a mature size of only 1-2' tall and about as wide, Mexican feather grass grows in full sun to partial shade, and prefers medium-dry soil conditions, but is tolerant of drought, erosion, and poor soil conditions, including rocky, sandy, and clay-filled sites. Although not necessarily deer-resistant, deer tend to avoid this grass for its fine, calorie-poor foliage, and Nassella tenuissima makes a striking impression in small spaces, low borders, and even in containers. Care should be taken with choosing an ideal planting location for Mexican feather grass, however, as it is capable of easily reseeding.