Stipa Trichotoma Palomino

'Palomino' is a fine-leaved selection of serrated tussock grass, botanically Nassella trichotoma. A dense evergreen mound of hair-thin arching foliage is topped from late spring by airy pale brown panicles on wiry stems, creating soft movement around gravel and low perennials. However, the species is a destructive invasive weed in parts of Australia, New Zealand and other regions, where wind-blown seed can contaminate pasture and native habitat. It should be offered or grown only where legal, under strict containment, with all flower heads removed before ripening.