Stipa Species, Giant Feather Grass, Giant Needle Grass, Giant Oats, Spanish Oats
Stipagigantea

Family: Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Stipa (STEE-pa)
Species: gigantea (jy-GAN-tee-uh)

Synonym:Lasiagrostis gigantea

Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Evergreen
Smooth

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Cream/Tan

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for drying and preserving

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; sow indoors before last frost

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed