Native to temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, tufted hairgrass is an upright, open cool-season grass. It is a food source for wildlife, used for re-vegetation projects, agriculturally and for ornament. It forms tight clumps and mats. The dark green, hair-thin leaves are rigid, rough on the upper surface, smooth beneath and arch outward and turn golden yellow in fall and winter. Tufted hairgrass is evergreen in mild climates. In the summer green, loose airy inflorescences sit well above the foliage and turn a lovely golden shade in autumn. The plumes are nice for use in fresh or dried arrangements.
Tufted hairgrass will grow in many, moist soil conditions and prefers some shade. It will not tolerate long, hot summers. It is self-seeding and tolerant of fire. Divide this perennial grass in the late spring. Plant tufted hairgrass in groups or singularly in the woodland, near water features, of as part of wildflower or mixed border. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Deschampsia
Species - Cespitosa
Common name - Tufted hairgrass
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 5 - 9
Height - 2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m
Spread - 4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
Plant type - Perennial, Grass
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand
Water requirements - Average Water. Wet Site, Salt, Soil Compaction
Care level - Easy
Landscape uses - Dried Flower / Everlasting, Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Water Gardens, Wildflower
Germination rate - 95%
Bloom season - Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green / Green, Gold
Useful Info | |
Germination | Good results from fall sowing. Or sow in containers in April. Germination in 30 days. Cover lightly with soil and screen until germination occurs. Plugs form slowly in about 60 days if kept continually moist and at a constant temperature. |