Stipa gigantea: Giant Feather Grass for Stately Gold Panicles and Erosion Control

Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea) is a semi-evergreen, stately stand-alone specimen with narrow arching foliage and shimmering gold panicles reaching 8 feet tall. Flowers open in June as silvery-purple, maturing to wheat shades. Tufted, clump-forming species native to temperate and warm temperate regions. Suitable as accents in grass or rock gardens, for naturalizing, wild gardens, and erosion control. Inflorescences used for dried arrangements.

Growing Conditions

Moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Remove old foliage in early spring. Propagate by sowing seed in cold frame in spring, or divide mid-spring to early summer. Watch for damping off, rust, smut, brown patch, brown stripe, eye spot.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 6–10 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumping, Moderate
• Light: Full Sun
• Moisture: Adaptable
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Self-Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Flower Color: Brown, Purple
• Foliage Color: Evergreen
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Dried Flower, Naturalizing, Specimen, Meadow Garden, Rock Garden
• Tolerance: Deer, Drought, Frost
• Type: Grasses