Feather Grass (Stipa pennata)

Feather Grass

Stipa pennata

Fine feathery plumes catch wind like floating silk. Ornamental clumping grass; common names: feather grass, needle grass.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun preferred; tolerates partial shade; produces more abundant plumes in direct sunlight
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently to avoid waterlogged soil
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Temperature Cold hardy to -20°C; tolerates summer heat up to 30°C with adequate drainage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear blue-green leaves forming tight, upright clumps
  • Inflorescence: Silvery-white feathery awns that sway with air movement
  • Stem: Slender, rigid upright stems supporting flowering plumes
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Care Guide

Watering

Water during extended dry spells; allow top 5–10 cm of soil to dry between waterings

Fertilization

Light application of balanced organic feed once. Over-fertilization can reduce plume production and weaken clumps

Composted coffee grounds tea:Use fully composted grounds to avoid odor; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching
Pruning
  • Cut back dead foliage to 5–10 cm above soil level in late winter to encourage new growth
  • Remove spent flower plumes after blooming to maintain a tidy clump appearance
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to refresh growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known ingestion or contact risks

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental grass for border plantings, wildflower meadows, and dried flower arrangements