Plant Guide

Stipa gigantea

• Common Name

  Giant Feather grass, Golden Oats
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Grass or grass-like plant
• Size

  2' x 4' - blooms 3' - 4' above
• Flower Color

  Golden
• Bloom Time

  • Summer
• Leaves

  N / A
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  N / A
• Growth Rate

  Moderate
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Low Maintenance
  • Showy Flowers
  • Specimen
• Water Use

  • Moderate
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
• Soil Type

  Loam
• Drainage

  Well Drained
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  This native to southern Europe and Norhern Africa is a clumping, evergreen giant feather grass that is the largest and most spectacular of the Stipa species.  Stately and elegant, it forms a dense mound of fine-textured gray-green rolled leaves that is topped by golden inflorescent blooms that emerge in May, fully mature in June and last in a spent state well into fall.  It is particularly beautiful with summer sun lighting it from behind.  It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun.  Good plant for coastal gardens and windy sites.

• Master Gardener Comments

  Does not like waterlogged conditions, particularly during winter.  It does poorly in shade.  The flowers are wonderful for dried flower arrangements.  It's very eye-catching in both sun and moonlight.

  Note: Gophers seem to love this plant so it is a good idea to protect the plant in areas where there are gophers by planting in cages.

• Varietals

  N / A