Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' - Gold Dew Tufted Hair Grass

If the Perennial Plant Association were to ask growers for their opinions for the perennial plant of the year, Bluestem's choice for the award would be 'Goldtau'.

Virtually all forms of Deschampsia cespitosa are highly ornamental, but the smaller, compact 'Goldtau', with its very dark-green leaves, later blooming habit, and golden inflorescence certainly rivals the rest.

High impact can be obtained by mass planting along a driveway or walkway. Also serves as an ornamental gem in the natural garden.

Muriel says: use it at the base of plants that have "bare bottoms" (like tall Phlox and Monarda) and is particularly good at the base of Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'.

Description: cool season/semi-evergreen; clump forming
Foliage is deep green; narrow blade width; 30-60cm (12-24") tall
Flowers are golden yellow; 40-60 cm (16-24") tall; June-July

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

Zone: 3 - 8 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster', Bergenia, Phlox, Monarda, Miscanthus purpurascens, Rudbeckia

Season of interest: June to October

Recommended spacing between plants: 40-75 cm (16-30") 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 'Goldtau' to our other grasses in this handy chart.