Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Mexican Feather Grass is a captivating ornamental grass that creates a mesmerizing display in any landscape. Its ultra-fine, hair-like leaves grow in dense clumps, reaching heights of 18-24 inches, with delicate flowering plumes extending up to 30 inches. The grass blades are a soft, silvery-green color that catches light beautifully, and when touched by even the slightest breeze, they create a rippling effect reminiscent of water or clouds moving across the sky. The way it catches morning dew or sparkles after rain adds another dimension to its already stunning visual appeal.

Native to the arid regions of central Mexico and the southwestern United States, Mexican Feather Grass has a fascinating historical significance in these areas. Indigenous peoples traditionally used this grass for basket weaving due to its strong yet flexible nature. The grass's scientific name, Nassella tenuissima, comes from the Latin word "tenuis," meaning thin or slender, perfectly describing its delicate appearance. This grass has been growing in these regions for thousands of years, adapting perfectly to the challenging conditions of desert environments.

When it comes to growing conditions, Mexican Feather Grass is remarkably adaptable but thrives best in full sun exposure. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to rocky. This grass performs exceptionally well in hot, dry conditions and has excellent drought tolerance once established. While it's evergreen in warmer climates, in colder regions it goes dormant during winter but quickly rebounds in spring. The grass produces its most dramatic plumes in late spring through summer, with the seed heads persisting into fall and providing winter interest.

However, gardeners should be aware of several important considerations before planting Mexican Feather Grass. First, it's considered invasive in some regions due to its prolific self-seeding nature – each plant can produce thousands of seeds that are easily dispersed by wind. To prevent unwanted spread, it's crucial to either remove seed heads before they mature or plant in contained areas. Additionally, while the grass is soft to the touch, its sharp seed awns can be irritating to skin and potentially harmful to pets, so wearing gloves during maintenance is recommended.

The grass requires minimal maintenance but benefits from annual grooming. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, the entire plant can be cut back to about 3 inches above ground level. This rejuvenates the plant and removes any winter damage. While drought-tolerant, providing occasional deep watering during extended dry periods will help maintain its lush appearance. In terms of spacing, plants should be positioned about 18-24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and the graceful movement that makes this grass so appealing. When properly placed and maintained, Mexican Feather Grass can provide years of elegant, low-maintenance beauty to any garden design.