STIPA tenuifolia (S. tenuissima, NASSELLA tenuissima)

Superb and refined herbaceous perennial, semi-deciduous and fast growing, found in nature in southern Europe with particular frequency in southern Spain and Portugal. The long, thin, erect but slightly arched leaves at the top, wonderfully grey-green-blue (glaucous), form dense tufts that can reach a maximum height of 60 cm and expand in width even over one meter. In June this plant gives its best: numerous slender stems "erupt" from the clump reaching, and sometimes even exceeding, 2 m height and bearing copious silver flower spikes dotted with purple on top. Moved even by the most graceful summer zephyr, these inflorescences, as they mature, turn antique gold: they remain on the plant until the beginning of winter, giving beauty to the garden even in this season of the year.

This elegant grass prefers sunny and bright locations and a medium-textured soil, particularly well drained. It tolerates proximity to the sea as well as freezing winters and it is able to enhance rustic lawns of small and large gardens both alone and together with other essences, creating original mixed borders. Excellent for giving structure and height to the garden, but it excels above all in 'transparency' in the sense that, at its maximum development, it always allows us to see what grows behind it.