Stipa ichu, commonly known as Peruvian Feathergrass, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to the open grasslands and puna ecosystems of the Andes in South America. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1 foot (0.3 meters). This grass is characterized by its fine, feathery inflorescences that sway gracefully in the breeze and its tufted growth habit. The flowers are subtle and not particularly showy, but they add a delicate texture to the landscape. Flowering occurs in the late spring to summer.

Peruvian Feathergrass is valued for its low water requirements and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in ornamental borders and as a textural contrast in mixed plantings. This grass prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. It has been recognized for its garden performance with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from rust in humid conditions. It is also important to note that it can self-seed and may become invasive in some areas outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0