finestem needlegrass
Nassella tenuissima
USDA zones7 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Silvery yellow to light brown
- Foliage color
- Light silvery green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Garden uses
Notes
Finestem needlegrass (Nassella tenuissima) is a grass for specimen planting and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Its thread-like leaves billow in the slightest breeze and soften harder-edged plants. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. It goes dormant during drought and in winter, and heavy mulch may make it rot.
Pairs well with Society garlic, Bindweed, and Spurge.
Native range
Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, and Argentina.