Stipa tenuissima

Stipa tenuissima is a neat, compact, perennial grass, bearing closely packed, stiff, thread-like stems forming a strongly horizontal shape. In summer, masses of elegant pale feathery seed-heads are held above the foliage. These can be cut and dried when first opened for use in winter arrangements indoors. Alternatively they make a useful winter food source for finches and other seed-eating birds.

Grow Stipa tenuissima in well-drained soil in full sun. It works well in a mixed border among herbaceous plants and other grasses. To propagate, divide plants from mid-spring to early summer.