Tufted Hairgrass Plant

Tufted hair grass is a cool-season perennial that forms a mound of narrow green leaves with airy flowering panicles rising above the foliage. Depending on climate, its leaves may remain evergreen or semi-evergreen, while the flowering stems add a light, silvery-purple haze in late spring and summer. [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/tufted-hair-grass/) · [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5638/deschampsia-cespitosa/details) ## Placement and seasonal display Grow Deschampsia cespitosa in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; partial shade is especially useful where summers are hot. It is a cool-season grass that performs poorly in hot, dry situations. Foliage mounds are commonly about 1–2 feet tall, with flowering stems reaching about 3 feet; RHS lists a broader mature range, so total height varies with site and growing conditions. ## Garden use The upright clump and open panicles fit meadow plantings, mixed borders, and naturalistic edges. Fine leaves provide a calm green texture, while the airy flower and seed heads catch light without forming a dense screen. ## Maintenance Cut old stems back before new growth begins in early spring. In colder climates, cutback can also be done in late autumn. Divide established clumps in early summer if they become congested.