Pest identification
What's eating my mediterranean feather grass?
Aphids
Signs: Soft growth colonized in spring; sticky honeydew, sooty mold, distorted or yellowing shoot tips
Control: Water jet or insecticidal soap; natural predators (ladybirds, lacewings) reliably control populations on established clumps
Rust mites (Eriophyidae)
Signs: Fine silver or bronze stippling on leaf surfaces; foliage appears bleached or dull, especially in dry spells
Control: Improve air circulation; remove badly affected leaves; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray in persistent cases
Slugs and snails
Signs: Chewing damage on newly transplanted young shoots; silvery mucus trails at the base of plants
Control: Iron phosphate pellets around new transplants; grit or gravel barrier mulch; remove nearby debris sheltering slugs
Keep mediterranean feather grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Mediterranean feather grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my mediterranean feather grass?
Mediterranean feather grass (Stipa offneri) is a drought-hardy grass rarely troubled by pests. Aphids can colonize soft spring shoots, and rust mites may cause silvery stippling in hot, dry summers. Slugs occasionally damage young transplants. Once established in a sunny, well-drained spot, this species is among the most pest-resistant ornamental grasses available.
How do I get rid of aphids on mediterranean feather grass?
Soft growth colonized in spring; sticky honeydew, sooty mold, distorted or yellowing shoot tips Water jet or insecticidal soap; natural predators (ladybirds, lacewings) reliably control populations on established clumps
How do I get rid of rust mites (eriophyidae) on mediterranean feather grass?
Fine silver or bronze stippling on leaf surfaces; foliage appears bleached or dull, especially in dry spells Improve air circulation; remove badly affected leaves; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray in persistent cases
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on mediterranean feather grass?
Chewing damage on newly transplanted young shoots; silvery mucus trails at the base of plants Iron phosphate pellets around new transplants; grit or gravel barrier mulch; remove nearby debris sheltering slugs