Culture
Grow in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Propagate by seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Stipa capillata is a tufted perennial grass that is native to steppes and slopes in Europe and Asia. It typically grows in a clump to 2-3' tall with narrow, erect, glaucous, filiform, blue-green leaf blades. Blooms in summer. Silvery-white flower panicles with hair-like awns to 5" long make this grass an attractive addition to the landscape. Sharply pointed seeds give rise to the common name of needle grass. Additional common names include spear grass and feather grass.
Genus name comes from the Greek word stuppe meaning tow from the feathery inflorescence on these perennial grasses.
Specific epithet means with fine hairs.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Feathery awns are quite showy as this grass sways in the wind in summer. Specimen or small groups.