Tufted Hair Grass
deschampsia cespitosa
Also known as: ["Tufted Hairgrass","Common Hair Grass"]
Overview
A perennial grass forming dense tufts with delicate, airy inflorescences that sway gracefully in the wind.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Deschampsia |
| Botanical Name: | Deschampsia cespitosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Grasses
- Suitable Location: garden border, meadow, or naturalistic planting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on removing only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may become leggy in deep shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh light; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacted soil; ensure consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold down to -30°F (-34°C) but may struggle in prolonged heat above 85°F (29°C).
Use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in early spring; ensure good air flow to prevent heat buildup.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; apply before new growth emerges; water well after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Division is the most reliable method. Seeds can also be sown, but germination may be slow and inconsistent.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into smaller sections with sharp tools.
- Ensure each section has roots and foliage.
- Replant immediately at the same depth.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active flowering.
Environment
Partial shade with consistent moisture and humidity. Protect from strong winds during establishment.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of garden soil, sand, and compost.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seedlings to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; Seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks, establishment in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or spade, gloves, new pots or planting site.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; water divisions well after planting; choose healthy, vigorous sections for division.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old foliage to ground level; trim flower stalks after they fade; thin out crowded clumps if necessary.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Cut back old flower stalks after blooming to tidy the plant.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Remove dead foliage; cut back old stems; sanitize tools between cuts; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor planting. If grown in containers, repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, avoiding foliage to prevent fungal issues. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite to improve drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaf tips in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or become brittle. Growth slows or halts, and plants may fail to recover if temperatures drop too rapidly.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in cold, wet soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or turn yellow. Growth may become sparse, and flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply lightly, following package instructions, and avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender growth vulnerable to winter damage.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDeschampsia cespitosa is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds known to be harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicDeschampsia cespitosa is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known substances harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicDeschampsia cespitosa is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a grass species that does not produce known toxic compounds.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Tufted Hair Grass grow?
A: It typically reaches 60–90 cm in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It tolerates partial shade but thrives in full sun.
Q: Is it suitable for wet soils?
A: Yes, it prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate occasional waterlogging.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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