Mexican Types of Grass

Home to the Sonoran desert in the north, tropical lowlands in the south and the cool mountain range of the Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexico is home to a diverse range of landscapes and climates. This range of temperatures allows for an impressive array of plant species, and the country is home to a number of native grass species.

Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima), also called Mexican needle grass, is a delicate ornamental grass with long thin silver and green blades that sway in the breeze. The plant grows in the wild on rocky slopes and in open prairies throughout New Mexico and Texas, and down into Central Mexico. This attractive grass is extremely drought tolerant, and will grow in both full sun or partial shade. Most soils will do as long as they are very well drained. The grass is a self sower and will spread quickly through the garden if allowed to do so.

Big Bluestem

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), also called turkey foot bluestem, is an upright clumping perennial grass native to southern Canada, parts of Central America and the American Southwest, and northern Mexico. Growing to a maximum height of between 5 to 7 feet, the tall grass has blueish green leaves that take on a reddish tint as the grass ages. The sun-loving grass is extremely drought tolerant, and will grow in a range of soils, from well drained and light to moderately heavy clays and both acidic and alkaline soils. Big bluestem will not grow well in shade.

Lindheimer's Muhly Grass

Lindheimer's muhly grass (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri) is a clumping grass that has distinct blueish green blades and stalks of summer blooming purple flowers. Extremely heat and drought hardy, Lindheimer's muhly grass is popular for gardeners looking to conserve waster. Native to Texas and northern Mexico, Lindheimer's muhly grass prefers well-drained soils, although it will tolerate slightly soggy soils. Full sun is optimal for this heat-loving grass.