Stipa Comata
Contents
Description
Stipa Comata, commonly known as Feather Grass, is a beautiful ornamental grass that is native to North America. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is a perennial grass that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has slender leaves that are greenish-grey in color and can grow up to 2 feet long. The flowers of the Feather Grass are what set it apart from other grasses. The flowers are feathery and can grow up to 1 foot long, giving the plant an elegant appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Stipa |
Appearance
Feather Grass is a beautiful ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. The plant has slender leaves that are greenish-grey in color and can grow up to 2 feet long. The flowers of the Feather Grass are what set it apart from other grasses. The flowers are feathery and can grow up to 1 foot long, giving the plant an elegant appearance. The plant blooms in the summer and the flowers turn a golden color. The grass can grow up to 3 feet tall and can spread up to 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Feather Grass is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for your Feather Grass:- Water: Feather Grass is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Feather Grass does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize the plant once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Feather Grass prefers well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy. The plant does not like clay soil.- Sunlight: Feather Grass prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Feather Grass is hardy in zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Feather Grass is a relatively pest-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant is not overcrowded and that there is good air circulation around the plant. If you notice any signs of disease, it is best to remove the affected leaves or plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Feather Grass is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woods. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. Feather Grass is an important food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Feather Grass a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Feather Grass is an excellent plant for erosion control. The plant has a deep root system that helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Q: Can Feather Grass be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Feather Grass can be grown in containers. Just make sure the container has good drainage and that the plant is not overcrowded.
Q: How often should I water Feather Grass?
A: Feather Grass is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: How do I propagate Feather Grass?
A: Feather Grass can be propagated by seed or by division. To propagate by seed, collect the seeds in the fall and plant them in the spring. To propagate by division, dig up the plant in the spring or fall and divide it into smaller sections.
Related Plants
– Stipa gigantea- Stipa tenuissima- Stipa arundinacea- Stipa pulchra
References
– “Stipa Comata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 June 2021.
