Tufted Hairgrass

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass known for its fine-textured foliage and airy flower panicles. This cool-season perennial adds soft movement, texture, and seasonal interest to naturalistic landscapes, meadows, and mixed borders.

Distinctive Features

Growing 2 to 4 feet tall, Tufted Hairgrass forms dense mounds of narrow, arching green leaves topped with delicate, open panicles of small flowers that shimmer in the breeze. Its foliage turns warm golden tones in fall, extending its seasonal appeal.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�8

Ideal Uses

• Naturalistic Landscapes: Adds texture and movement to prairie and meadow gardens
• Mixed Borders: Provides fine texture and seasonal color among perennials
• Rain Gardens: Suitable for moist sites with good drainage
• Wildlife Gardens: Supports pollinators and beneficial insects
• Container Planting: Suitable for patios and small garden spaces

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid drought stress
• Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: Prefers sheltered sites, especially in colder regions

Why Choose Tufted Hairgrass?

• Fine-Textured Foliage: Adds soft movement and elegance to landscapes
• Airy Flower Panicles: Create shimmering seasonal interest
• Versatile Growth: Thrives in a variety of garden settings and soil types
• Wildlife Friendly: Supports pollinators and beneficial insects
• Focal Point: Provides graceful texture and vertical interest

Deschampsia cespitosa is a graceful, adaptable ornamental grass that enhances naturalistic and mixed landscapes with its fine texture and seasonal beauty.