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Texas Wintergrass

Nassella leucotricha

Last reviewed: October 2026

Texas Wintergrass (Nassella leucotricha)
Photo: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Texas Wintergrass (Nassella leucotricha) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–48" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, LA, OK, SC and 1 more states

Pollinators

butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Texas Wintergrass.

Texas Wintergrass is a tall, clumping native grass that produces delicate, feathery seed heads from spring through late summer. This drought-tolerant perennial adds graceful movement and texture to landscapes while requiring minimal water once established.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Texas Wintergrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies throughout the growing season. Seeds also feed native birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Texas Wintergrass need?
Texas Wintergrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Texas Wintergrass bloom?
Texas Wintergrass blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Where is Texas Wintergrass native?
Texas Wintergrass (Nassella leucotricha) is native to AR, LA, OK, SC and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Texas Wintergrass attract?
Texas Wintergrass draws butterflies.
Is Texas Wintergrass HOA-friendly?
Texas Wintergrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Texas Wintergrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.