Stipa trichotoma Palomino

Stipa trichotoma Palomino, also known as the Dentate Leaf Stipa, is a small perennial grass that closely resembles the angel hair Stipa and is used in the same way, to bring lightness to flower beds or flowering pots. The plant forms a small, dense, and flexible tuft of very fine, evergreen green foliage topped with abundant silvery and silky flowers in summer. It is hardy and drought-resistant, superb in a wild, romantic, or contemporary garden. It self-seeds in light soil.

Stipa (synonym Nassella) trichotoma Palomino is a horticultural variety. It is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the poaceae family, like many grasses. South America is the birthplace of this botanical species. In the wild, this Stipa primarily propagates through seed. It has spread to several regions with a warm temperate climate in the southern hemisphere. 'Palomino' is a clump-forming plant, so it does not spread. It grows in a small tuft of very fine cylindrical, bright green, evergreen leaves, with finely toothed edges, tapering to a fountain shape. When mature, it will measure 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) high and about 30 cm (12in) wide. In June-July, pale green, silky inflorescences appear, turning silver then bronze in autumn, forming a ball-like shape around the foliage. The seeds form in late summer on the inflorescences and cluster together in the plant, forming a rough mass like a handful of tow (Stipa comes from the Greek word stipê, which means tow). They are dispersed by the wind, ensuring the species' survival.

Stipa trichotoma Palomino is hardy down to -15°C in well-drained soil, a perfect plant for dry gardens even in very dry climates. This grass is appreciated for the extreme softness of its silky tufts and because it is decorative for a good part of the year. It accompanies light, flowering perennials, such as linarias, penstemons, Buenos Aires verbenas, Asters cordifolius, scabious, and annual poppies and Damask nigellas. Dark foliage will enhance its silvery plumes. Plant it in a place where you can touch it! Along a pathway or terrace, or in a large pot.