Mexican feather grass
Nassella tenuissima
Also called Stipa tenuissima, Ponytail grass and Feather grass
Garden plant · GrassesIt seeds itself everywhere and is a listed invasive in parts of Australia and the western US. Comb the dead hair out by hand in spring rather than cutting it.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 12 daysWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun, sharp drainage
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy — an average winter RHS H4, to -10°C
- Size
- 0.75 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Texas
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03. Where a source says nothing, we say nothing.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.