grass

Pheasant's Tail Grass

Stipa arundinacea

The Story

Plant Bio

Anemanthele lessoniana, commonly known as pheasant's tail grass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to New Zealand that forms graceful, weeping mounds. The arching foliage begins bright green with coppery streaks before transitioning to intense shades of orange, red, and gold in full sun.

This species is distinguished by its loose, airy panicles of purplish-green flowers that emerge in summer and mature into shimmering, feathery seed heads. The dramatic color shift of the foliage intensifies with seasonal temperature drops and exposure to direct sunlight.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with weeping, color-changing foliage and airy summer seed heads.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and effective for erosion control on sunny slopes.

Offers minor cover and nesting material for small birds and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water moderately during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Comb out dead foliage annually in early spring rather than cutting the plant back to the ground.

Pro Tip

Never shear this evergreen grass flat to the ground in late winter; hard pruning into old wood frequently kills the sensitive crown. Instead, gently comb through the clump with gloved fingers in spring to remove dead, straw-like foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximize the vibrant orange and coppery foliage colors.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially during wet winter months.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid minor cuts from the slightly sharp leaf edges.

Don't

Do not cut the plant back hard to the ground, as this can kill the evergreen crown.
Do not over-fertilize, which causes weak, floppy, dull green growth.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay or waterlogged areas.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass planting for color contrastGravel and rock gardensCoastal gardensMixed bordersContainer specimen

Companion Plants

Carex buchananii Muhlenbergia capillaris Salvia Achillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pheasant's Tail Grass questions

What zones can Pheasant's Tail Grass grow in?

Pheasant's Tail Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Pheasant's Tail Grass bloom?

Pheasant's Tail Grass typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pheasant's Tail Grass need full sun?

Pheasant's Tail Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pheasant's Tail Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pheasant's Tail Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.