Nassella tenuissima, commonly known as Mexican Feather Grass, is a graceful, fine-leaved ornamental grass prized for its soft, flowing texture and movement in the garden. Its slender, arching leaves form elegant, low clumps, while airy flower plumes sway gently in the breeze, creating a sense of lightness and motion.
Flowering from late spring to summer, the subtle green flowers mature to soft, silvery-golden tones, enhancing seasonal interest. This drought-tolerant grass thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for borders, gravel gardens, rockeries, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its fine texture provides contrast when planted alongside bolder perennials or architectural grasses.
Key Features:
- Fine, arching foliage with airy, flowing habit
- Soft green flower plumes maturing to silvery-golden tones
- Ideal for borders, gravel gardens and naturalistic planting
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Fully hardy in the UK
A delicate and versatile ornamental grass, Nassella tenuissima adds movement, texture, and subtle colour to a wide variety of garden settings.
Nassella/Stipa Tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)
Plant Factfile
Height 40-60cm (flower stems may reach up to 75cm) Spread 30-45cm Soil Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy or gravelly soils; avoid waterlogging Flowers Delicate, airy green flower plumes maturing to silvery-golden, May to July Soil Full sun Hardiness H6 – Hardy throughout most of the UK (to approximately -20°C) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.