Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Tuesday - September 22, 2015
From: San Diego, CA
Region: California
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Mexican Feathergrass not Blooming in San Diego
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
Hello, I planted seven Mexican Feathergrass plant about four months ago and only one of them has got the "feathers" at the tip of its grasses. The others are growing nice and tall as well, but not feathering. Do I just need to be more patient or did I get some duds? Thanks!ANSWER:
I suspect the "feathers" you refer to are the seeds or blooms of Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass).
According to the USDA plant profile, this plant's native range in the U. S. is in west Texas, southeast New Mexico and just east of San Francisco bay in California. It's habitat is commonly in the desert mountains.
Since most desert plants are typically slow growing, the thing Mr. Smarty Plants finds surprising is not that six of your plants are not blooming, but that one is blooming only four months after being planted. Congratulations on your green thumb.
As for the others, be patient.
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Hillside Erosion Control for Gainesville GA
August 07, 2013 - I have a steep bare hill and the runoff from it is heavy this year. I need help with a fast growing groundcover that will help control erosion and runoff. Planting on the hill is difficult because you...
view the full question and answer
Tufted hairgrass seed for Houston TX
August 06, 2009 - From Houston-Texas I am looking for a seed grass called tufted hairgrass ( deschampsia caespitosa ), if you can tell me where to find this kind of seed. Thank you for helping.
view the full question and answer
Ornamental grasses for North Carolina coastal region
March 09, 2016 - What ornamental grasses will grow in pure sand and withstand salt-laden winds in zones 8 a and 8 b?
view the full question and answer
What is a lawn broom from Cibolo TX
February 15, 2013 - Concerning gulf muhly grass you mention using a lawn broom to get rid of the dead stalks. What is a lawn broom? What does it look like? Where can I purchase one?
view the full question and answer
Prairie and wetland restoration in Nebraska
July 20, 2007 - We recently bought property south of Crawford,NE near the Pine Ridge area. It has been grazed by horses for years. We'd like to restore the native grasses and flowers. I have no idea where to begi...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |