Angel hair

While its scientific name is Stipa tenuissima, this plant is more commonly known as angel hair or pony tail because of its long, fine leaves. It wafts and rustles softly in the breeze. It’s great for adding some texture to your outdoor planting and providing a bit of calming sound. 

It’s sometimes known as Mexican feather grass, because it’s native to Mexico, as well as southern parts of the United States, and because of the feathery look of its flowers.

As it matures through the year, the leaves will change from green to a pale yellow-green. It’s semi-evergreen, which means it should grow all year, but it may suffer in severe frost. If the very cold weather does kill off some of its growth, no worries. Just chop off any affected parts and it will grow back again in spring. 

Did you know? 

This plant grows so vigorously in Australia that it’s classed as an invasive species and it’s illegal to sell it there