How big does Mexican feather grass grow?

About 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–60 cm × 30–60 cm.

Is Mexican feather grass hardy?

Hardy down to -15 °C (USDA zone 7, RHS H5). Outdoors in this country it only survives with winter protection, or in a pot overwintered frost-free.

When does Mexican feather grass flower?

Flowering: June–August, white, silver, green, yellow.

How much water does Mexican feather grass need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Mexican feather grass

Nassella tenuissima

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is an ornamental grass that reaches 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -15 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about PLN 7.90.

Illustration of Mexican feather grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Its hair-fine leaves and airy flower panicles soften perennial borders and work well in containers. Choose a sunny spot with excellent drainage, because winter wet and severe frost can kill the clumps. Watch for seedlings, as it seeds freely and can spread beyond the bed.

Watch out for

In Central Europe, winter waterlogging and severe frost are the main risks; published hardiness ratings differ substantially, so perennial survival is unreliable in cold sites. Clumps can be short-lived and produce abundant seedlings. It appears on Switzerland's official list of potentially invasive alien plants, with escaped and locally established populations recorded there. Avoid planting beside semi-natural dry grasslands and remove unwanted seedlings.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -15 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, white, silver, green, yellow

All details

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -15 °C (USDA 7, RHS H5)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–August, white, silver, green, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about PLN 7.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 7.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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