If there are no plants listed, we may be sold out this season.
Welcome to our perennial plant nursery!
Imagine More Perennial Plants Than You Can Imagine,
Delivered To You.
Free Shipping to most states
Nassella is a genus of grasses commonly known as needlegrasses. They are native to the Americas, with a distribution ranging from North America down to South America.
The name "Nassella" comes from the Latin word "nassa," meaning "a basket with a narrow neck," referring to the shape of the grass's inflorescence.
If there are no plants listed, we may be sold out this season.
Nassella tenuissima
Common Names: Argentine Needle-Grass, Fineleaved Nassella, Finestem Needlegrass, Mexican Feather Grass.
Origin: Native to New Mexico, Texas, Mexico, and Argentina.
Invasiveness: Considered invasive in Australia and problematic in parts of California.
Appearance: Features fine, feathery leaves that sway in the wind, with silvery yellow spikelets and feathery seed heads.
Growth: Can be grown as an annual in colder climates, drought-tolerant but may go dormant in extreme heat.
Problems: Susceptible to aphids, leaf spot diseases, and root rot in overly wet soils.
Uses: Often used as an ornamental plant but can escape gardens due to prolific seed production.
Cultural Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels.
Landscape Use: Suitable for containers, rock gardens, and drought-tolerant gardens. Resistant to deer and erosion.
Key characteristics of Nassella grasses:
Some notable species of Nassella:
Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass)
Ecological and economic importance:
In summary, Nassella is a diverse genus of grasses with a range of ecological roles and economic impacts. While some species are valued for their ornamental or forage qualities, others are considered invasive weeds. Understanding the characteristics and distribution of different Nassella species is essential for managing their impacts and appreciating their place in the natural world.
Nassella grasses share several key characteristics:
Growth Habit:
Foliage:
Inflorescence:
Adaptability:
Other Characteristics:
This combination of characteristics makes Nassella grasses a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. However, it is important to choose species carefully, considering their growth habits and potential invasiveness in your region.
Nassella classification within the plant kingdom. Here is a breakdown of its taxonomy:
A bit of history and debate:
Key features that distinguish Nassella:
This taxonomic classification helps us understand the evolutionary relationships of Nassella grasses and their place within the plant kingdom. It also highlights their close relationship with other grasses in the Stipeae tribe, many of which share similar characteristics like fine foliage and delicate inflorescences.
Let us delve into the morphology of Nassella grasses, which are fascinating and unique:
Overall Form:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Floret Structure:
Other Features:
Variations:
Understanding these morphological features is crucial for identifying Nassella grasses and distinguishing them from other closely related genera. It also provides insights into their adaptations to their environment and their evolutionary relationships.
Nassella, commonly known as Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima), is a popular ornamental grass prized for its fine, delicate texture and graceful appearance. Here is a guide to cultivating Nassella:
Planting:
Care:
Additional Tips:
Benefits of Growing Nassella:
By following these cultivation tips, you can enjoy the beauty and grace of Nassella in your garden for years to come.
Nassella tenuissima, or Mexican Feather Grass, offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers:
Aesthetic Benefits:
Practical Benefits:
Other Benefits:
However, it is important to note that Nassella can be invasive in some regions. It is crucial to check its invasiveness status in your area and take necessary precautions to prevent its spread.
Nassella tenuissima, with its fine texture and graceful movement, can be a stunning addition to your landscape. Here are some design tips to help you make the most of this ornamental grass:
1. Play with Texture:
2. Embrace Movement:
3. Consider Color Combinations:
4. Utilize Nassella in Different Landscape Applications:
5. Manage its Spread:
By following these design tips, you can create a beautiful and dynamic landscape that displays the unique qualities of Nassella tenuissima.
Planting Nassella tenuissima, or Mexican Feather Grass, is a fairly straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Time:
2. Select the Ideal Location:
3. Prepare the Planting Hole:
4. Plant the Nassella:
5. Water Thoroughly:
6. Spacing:
7. Ongoing Care:
Additional Tips:
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to enjoying the beauty and grace of Nassella tenuissima in your garden.
Mass planting Nassella tenuissima can create a stunning and dramatic effect in your landscape. Here is how to effectively use it in mass plantings:
1. Visual Impact:
2. Design Considerations:
3. Practical Benefits:
4. Maintenance:
Examples of Mass Planting Nassella:
By carefully considering these factors and incorporating Nassella thoughtfully into your design, you can create a breathtaking landscape feature with this versatile ornamental grass.
Caring for Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) is relatively easy, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens. Here is a breakdown of its care requirements:
Watering:
Fertilizing:
Pruning:
Other Care Tips:
Specific Considerations:
By following these simple care guidelines, you can ensure that your Nassella tenuissima thrives and adds its graceful beauty to your landscape for years to come.
Here is a comprehensive calendar of care for Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass):
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:
Additional Notes:
By following this calendar, you can ensure that your Nassella tenuissima remains healthy and beautiful throughout the year.
While Nassella tenuissima is generally a low-maintenance and resilient plant, it can occasionally be affected by certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
Pests:
Diseases:
Other Problems:
Prevention and Monitoring:
By being aware of these potential issues and taking preventive measures, you can help your Nassella tenuissima stay healthy and thrive in your landscape.
Nassella tenuissima, with its delicate texture and airy appearance, makes a wonderful addition to floral arrangements.
Here is why it is a good choice:
Here are some tips for using Nassella in floral arrangements:
Here are some floral arrangement ideas with Nassella:
No matter how you choose to use it, Nassella tenuissima can bring a touch of elegance and movement to your floral arrangements.
This is a bit of a tricky question! While Nassella tenuissima does produce flowers and seeds, it is not a significant attractor of pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Here is why:
However, this does not mean Nassella has no value for wildlife.
Here are some ways it can support a healthy ecosystem:
If your primary goal is to attract pollinators to your garden, there are many other plants that would be more effective than Nassella. Consider planting a variety of flowering plants with bright colors, strong scents, and ample nectar and pollen resources.
But, if you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance ornamental grass that can still provide some benefits to wildlife, Nassella tenuissima is a great choice!
Yes, Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) can be invasive in some regions. It is important to understand its invasive potential and take precautions if you choose to plant it.
Here is what makes it potentially invasive:
Regions where Nassella is considered invasive:
What you can do:
Responsible Planting:
While Nassella can be a beautiful addition to gardens, it is crucial to plant it responsibly. By being aware of its invasive potential and taking appropriate precautions, you can help protect your local ecosystem.
Nassella tenuissima typically reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 feet.
Here is a more detailed breakdown:
Factors that can influence height:
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Individual plants may vary slightly in height depending on their specific environment and genetics.
The best time to propagate Nassella tenuissima is in early spring or fall.
Here is why:
Spring Propagation (March-April):
Fall Propagation (September-October):
Methods of Propagation:
No matter which method you choose, proper care after propagation is crucial. Water regularly, provide adequate sunlight, and protect the new plants from extreme temperatures to ensure their successful establishment.
While Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) is the most commonly known and widely available species, the Nassella genus actually includes over 100 different species of bunchgrasses. However, many of these are not commonly cultivated or available in nurseries.
Here are a few other Nassella species you might come across:
It is worth noting that due to taxonomic revisions, some grasses previously classified as Nassella have been moved to other genera, such as Stipa and Achnatherum. This can sometimes cause confusion when identifying different species.
If you are looking for alternatives to Nassella tenuissima, consider exploring these other Nassella species or looking into related grasses in the Stipa or Achnatherum genera.
Nassella species, groups, and cultivars! It can get a bit confusing. Here is a breakdown to clarify:
Species:
Groups (this is where it gets tricky):
Cultivars:
Key takeaway:
Nassella tenuissima - some key points about this popular ornamental grass:
What it is:
Why it is popular:
Things to consider:
Cultivation:
Overall:
Nassella tenuissima is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that can add a touch of elegance and movement to any garden. By understanding its growth habits and taking appropriate care, you can enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails' is a delightful cultivar of Mexican Feather Grass that is prized for its extra-long and showy flower plumes.
Here is what makes 'Pony Tails' stand out:
Here's how 'Pony Tails' can enhance your garden:
Finding 'Pony Tails':
This cultivar might be slightly harder to find than the standard Nassella tenuissima, but it is worth seeking out for its unique beauty. Check with local nurseries or online plant retailers specializing in ornamental grasses.
If you are looking for a Mexican Feather Grass with a bit more flair and drama, Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails' is an excellent choice!