Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - October 24, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Problems with Mexican feathergrass
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I live in Austin. I've recently seen negative comments re: Mexican feathergrass. Is it native to this area? Is it becoming a problem? I have had it in my yard for years and never considered it a problem. I do notice that it can be quite prolific, but it's also very easy to pull out.ANSWER:
You are lucky to have thriving Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass). It is native to the mountains of west Texas and New Mexico, where it receives good drainage and relatively dry soils. In our area the main problem is keeping it alive. Mexican feathergrass can suffer from over-care, i.e., too much moisture and the heavy application of mulch. Our good intentions often result in root rot. So keep doing what you have been doing and enjoy this beautiful grass.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Plants for edge of pond
June 23, 2008 - We live in Atlanta, Texas. My husband built a beautiful pond that is almost an acre in size. We are fortunate in that one side of the pond is covered by trees and a natural ground cover that keeps w...
view the full question and answer
Buffalograss from Kensington MD
August 03, 2012 - Hi, I'm going to follow-up on the buffalograss question from Charlottesville, since it wasn't answered fully. I'm wondering the same thing: can buffallograss survive the wet conditions of the more ...
view the full question and answer
Native Indiangrass as a hedge
December 13, 2009 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I would like to create a grass hedge as a foundation planting for a portion of our garden. One side of the planting is a concrete sidewalk to our garden shed, the other side wil...
view the full question and answer
Difficult slope in Tarrytown NY
March 03, 2009 - I hope you can help. Is there a way to plant some native shrubs and plants on a steep slope that is filled in some areas with rock without having to tier the slope? The section is approximately 50' w...
view the full question and answer
Plants for steep slope in Virginia
October 24, 2008 - Please help! Looking for landscaping ideas for a very large Steep hill. Features: slope is approximately 45-60 degrees, clay soil mixed with fill dirt, lots of deer, partial sun, seeking minimal maint...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |