DEAR GARDEN COACH: I am seeing more plantings of Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass) around the East Bay and am concerned. My understanding is that this grass has been found to be invasive in ... Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) is incredibly drought tolerant.

Understanding the Context

I found this little patch growing in essentially zero soil, in between the cracks in the sidewalk. And during the summer, ... Described as up to 70 centimetres in height with pale seed heads and resembling a dense tuft of grass, dozens of Nassella tenuissima specimens could still be in the Emerald area. More commonly known ...

Key Insights

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) has its pros and cons. It is pretty as well as practical, but it should not be grown in some regions. The genus name Nassella comes from the Latin nassa, a narrow-necked fishing snare. The specific epithet tenuissima comes from Latin and means "thinnest", most likely in reference to the narrow foliage. The genus name Nassella comes from the Latin nassa, a narrow-necked fishing snare.

Final Thoughts

The name tenuissima comes from Latin and means "thinnest", in reference to the leaves. The feathery leaves are fine and sway in the wind. Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is an ornamental grass that’s delicately beautiful, a description that rarely applies to desert landscape plants. Everything about this plant is light and airy. It has slender, almost thread-like, bright green leaves. Nassella tenuissima is especially spectacular planted in decorative containers.

It is native to the Southwest US, Mexico and Argentina where it inhabits dry areas. All you need to know about Nassella Tenuissima also known as the Mexican Feather Grass. How to care, characteristics, light, water, soil & fertilizer tips Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) Plant Care & How to Grow, Water