Grass•USDA: NATE3•PLANTED: SPRING 2026•
Mexican Feathergrass
Nassella tenuissima
FAMILY: Poaceae (Grass Family)ALSO KNOWN AS:
Mexican WiregrassFinestem NeedlegrassPonytail GrassTexas Tussock
A standout species for Texas gardens, Mexican Feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima) is a deciduous native grass native across the Chihuahuan Deserts. It features distinctive light silvery green foliage.
During Summer, the plant produces white blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental caryopsis that add seasonal interest.
It provides essential nectar, shelter, or forage for native wildlife, including Birds and Browsers.
Best suited to calcareous, clay, dry, loam, moist, rocky, and well drained, Mexican Feathergrass adapts seamlessly to local soil conditions. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease. It offers high deer resistance.

Mexican Feathergrass
Nassella tenuissima
NATIVE RANGE // EPA & NPSOT
Texas Native Ecoregions6 REGIONS
[ INITIALIZING GEOSPATIAL MAP DATA... ]
Chihuahuan Deserts
SOURCE: US EPA L3/L4 ECOREGIONS • NPSOT VERIFIED30.1727° N, 98.0873° W (DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX)
GROWTH & VISUAL PROFILEPerennial • Grass & Sedge
↕HEIGHT
1 ft.
↔SPREAD
1 ft.
🌱GROWTH
Moderate
🍂FOLIAGE
Deciduous
BLOOM COLOR
White
BLOOM CALENDARSummer (3 MO)
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
BOTANICAL ALIASES & ALTERNATE NAMES4 ALIASES
Mexican WiregrassFinestem NeedlegrassPonytail GrassTexas Tussock
ECOLOGICAL ROLE & WILDLIFE
ATTRACTS & SUPPORTS
BirdsBrowsers
Recognized for providing nectar and forage for native Texas pollinators.
WATER NEEDLow (Drought Tolerant)
VL
LOW
MOD
HIGH
SOLAR NEEDSun, Part Shade
SHADE
PART SHADE
PART SUN
FULL SUN
SUBSTRATE & SOILpH: Neutral to Alkaline
CalcareousClayDryLoamMoistRockyWell Drained
⚠️ BOTANICAL SAFETY NOTICE
Non-toxic to humans, birds, and domestic animals.
MAINTENANCE & PROPAGATION
Low maintenance once established.