Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) - Grown from Mexican Feather Grass seeds, this beautiful mounded drought tolerant ornamental grass with needle-like flexible leaves forms dense, bright green clumps. The flowers are silky awns that appear in June and change from green to gold as they mature. These ornamental grasses are especially striking when planted in masses, but they also can be grown in containers with nice results.

Stipa tenuissima Mexican Feather Grass also is commonly called Silky Thread Grass or Mexican Needle Grass, and it has moderate cold-hardiness and performs very well in hot summer months. This is an environmentally-friendly ornamental grass with virtually no pests or diseases and is perfect for xeriscape landscaping where water conservation is required.

How To Grow Mexican Feather Grass From Seed: Start the Stipa tenuissima seeds indoors in the early spring. Use small pots filled with seed starting mix. Place the ornamental grass seeds onto the soil and cover thinly with sand or soil and keep the seeds moist. Mexican Feather Grass will bloom the first year. Plant the ornamental grass in full sun and in well-drained soils that are moisture retentive but never wet and not overly rich. A sandy-loam soil being ideal as they can be short-lived in heavy soils.

Stipa Seeds | Barbata

How to Grow

The Silver Feather Grass enjoys well-drained, dry soils and a full sunny spot. It is easy to maintain, not needing much upkeep. And it is known to be drought tolerant. You can cut back your Stipa Barbata to help keep it more compact.

• Sowing Rate: 5 - 6 seeds per plant
• Depth: Cover seeds lightly
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
• Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days

Grass Specifications

• Plant Spacing: 12 - 16 inches
• Height: 20 inches & Width: 12 inches
• USDA Zones: 6 - 10
• Season: Perennial

Stipa (Stipa Barbata) - This ornamental grass is also called, "Silver Feather Grass." Many gardeners consider it to be one of the most attractive and graceful of all perennial ornamental grasses. From a sturdy base, spectacular flower spikes reach up to 20 inches with silk like streamers that trail in the breeze up to one foot. Even the lightest breeze will have these silver tails of Stipa Barbata shining in the breeze. Stipa barbata is also a very drought tolerant grass.