Deschampsia cespitosa - Tufted Hair Grass

This is the species Deschampsia cespitosa. Unlike the 'named' varieties of Deschampsia, this seed-grown type will have some variation in size and form and it will also self-sow. In spring you will notice lots of new seedlings coming up, which is what a good natural garden is supposed to do.

The named variety, Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' has not self sown for us.

Description: cool season/semi-evergreen; clump forming
Foliage is medium green; narrow blade width; 60-80 cm (24-32") in height
Flowers are bronze and arching; May-June; 80-100 cm (32-40") tall

Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade in moist fertile soil, but is happy with average soil; tolerates hot, dry conditions with ample water

Zone: 2 - 8 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Chasmanthium latifolium, Inula 'Sonnenspeer', Patrinia, Calamagrostis stricta, Stipa brachytricha, Calamagrostis epigejos, Elymus cinereus, Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', clovers

Season of interest: June - October

Recommended spacing between plants: 50-100cm (20-40") why such a difference?

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Native to: Deschampsia cespitosa is native to moist habitats of the temperate zones of North America, Europe and Asia

Pronunciation: Deschampsia (deh-SHAMP-see-ah) cespitosa (ses-pih-TOH-sah)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Deschampsia cespitosa to our other grasses in this handy chart.