Mexican Feather Grass/ Nassella tenuissima ALTERNATIVES

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I am a Landscape Designer in Southern California with a quest to offer my clients alternatives for this VERY invasive ornamental grass that is used quite routinely in Southern California landscapes.

I have long been suggesting Purple 3 Awn/Aristida purpurea which has a similar (more handsome, in my opinion) look.  It is a California Native that will set seed but is not nearly so invasive.    The problem is that, while this grass grows well in the landscape, the growers have difficulty raising it in pots for sale, so it is hard to find in nurseries.   This is a commercial reality that makes it prohibitive for homeowners and contractors to incorporate into their landscapes, as it is intended on my plans………………………………..so, the invasive species frequently ends up on my projects……..much to my dismay.

Can anyone out there suggest alternative grasses that may be available at retail nurseries or wholesale growers in Southern California?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Barbara Paul

Landscape Design,

Long Beach, California

www.gardenssss.com

(562)439-6765