Northern Lights Tufted Hairgrass

Northern Lights is a cool-season tufted hair grass selection grown for fine foliage that is variegated white and can take on a pink blush in cool weather. University of Illinois Extension lists the cultivar at about 1 foot in foliage and describes the species as flowering in airy panicles that shift from green to yellow and gold; its species profile gives hardiness zones 4–9. See the [Illinois Extension profile](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=605&PlantTypeID=3) and the [Chicago Botanic Garden plant listing](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/deschampsia-caespitosa-northern-lights-tufted-hair-grass). ## Placement Grow Northern Lights in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. The species tolerates some shade and does not like to dry out; strong full sun can discolor the foliage. Its fine leaves add contrast beside ferns and hostas, while taller flower stems bring a loose, airy texture through spring and summer. ## Maintenance Water during dry periods and keep the soil evenly moist without leaving the crown in standing water. Cut away tired foliage before spring growth begins, taking care not to damage emerging leaves. The species is cool-season and may self-seed, so remove unwanted seedlings while small. The listed 2–3 foot mature height includes flowering stems, while the foliage itself stays lower.