Pest identification
What's eating my feather grass?
Aphids
Signs: Soft new shoots colonized in spring; sticky honeydew, possible yellowing and distortion of young leaves
Control: Spray with water jet or diluted insecticidal soap; natural predators usually bring populations under control quickly
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in emerging young shoots in cool, wet spring conditions; silvery slime trails nearby
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; use gritty gravel mulch to deter movement; remove debris where slugs shelter
Keep feather grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
feather grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my feather grass?
Feather grass (Stipa barbata) is extremely pest-resistant as a dry-habitat native. Aphids are the most likely visitor on soft spring growth. In garden settings, slugs may nibble emerging shoots in wet spring weather. Once established, the plant's wiry, siliceous leaves deter most insects and are completely ignored by deer and rabbits.
How do I get rid of aphids on feather grass?
Soft new shoots colonized in spring; sticky honeydew, possible yellowing and distortion of young leaves Spray with water jet or diluted insecticidal soap; natural predators usually bring populations under control quickly
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on feather grass?
Ragged holes in emerging young shoots in cool, wet spring conditions; silvery slime trails nearby Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; use gritty gravel mulch to deter movement; remove debris where slugs shelter