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Nassella tenuissima (Trin.) Barkworth

Mexican feather grass

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassLiliopsidaMonocots (plants with a single seed leaf); includes the lily family
SubclassCommelinidaeDayflowers and spiderworts, and several others
OrderCyperalesFlowering plants including grasses
FamilyPoaceaeGrasses (but not sedges or rushes)
GenusNassellaDiminutive of the Latin nassa, “a basket with a narrow neck, a fish basket”
Speciestenuissima

About plant names...

Mexican feathergrass is native to Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, and Argentina. Increasingly popular as an ornamental grass, it is potentially invasive in some areas.

Identification: This grass forms clumps 1-2′ (30-60 cm) high and about 1′ (30 cm) around. Feathery green flower clusters 6-12″ (15-30 cm) tall mature to silvery tan in color. The individual flowers each have a long, thin awn 2-3″ (5-7.6 cm) in length. Grass blades are 6-14″ (15-35 cm) long, almost tubular, tightly rolled, making the blades appear very fine, only half a millimeter in diameter.

Online References:

Floridata.com

HEAR: the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

George and Audrey DeLange's Arizona wildflower site

Nassella tenuissima (mexican feather grass)

The tan-colored panicles of flowers are several inches long. · 8/1/2009 · Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine · ≈ 2 × 1′ (58 × 38 cm)

Stipa tenuissima Trin.

 

Nassella tenuissima description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.

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Nassella tenuissima (mexican feather grass)

8/1/2009 · Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine · ≈ 3 × 2′ (95 × 63 cm)

Nassella tenuissima (mexican feather grass)

2/24/2010 · San Diego (Quail) Botanic Garden, Encinitas, Cali­fornia

Range:

About this map...