Argentine Needle Grass
(Nassella hyalina)
Argentine Needle Grass (Nassella hyalina)
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© Tomás Tamagno
CC BY 4.0
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© Tomás Tamagno
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Tomás Tamagno | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: ttamagno | Publisher: iNaturalist |


















Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 16" - 60" |
• High Temp. | 70°F - 94°F |
• Low Temp. | 11°F - 51°F |
Summary
Nassella hyalina, commonly known as Argentine Needle Grass, is a perennial grass native to the temperate grasslands and open woodlands of South America, particularly in Argentina. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 1.5-2 feet (0.46-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). This grass is characterized by its fine-textured foliage and airy flower panicles that can add a delicate texture to garden compositions. The flowers are not particularly showy but do provide a subtle visual interest. Argentine Needle Grass is appreciated for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in less fertile soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings.
In cultivation, Nassella hyalina is valued for its drought tolerance and ease of maintenance. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or for erosion control on slopes due to its fibrous root system. Gardeners should provide it with full sun to part shade and plant it in medium or fast-draining sandy or loam soils. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can self-seed and become invasive in some areas outside its native range, so care should be taken to manage its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Nassella hyalina is valued for its drought tolerance and ease of maintenance. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or for erosion control on slopes due to its fibrous root system. Gardeners should provide it with full sun to part shade and plant it in medium or fast-draining sandy or loam soils. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can self-seed and become invasive in some areas outside its native range, so care should be taken to manage its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Temperate grasslands and open woodlands of South America, particularly in Argentina
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Nassella hyalina, Stipa avenacea, Stipa avenacea, Stipa hyalina
GBIF Accepted Name: Nassella hyalina