Alphabetical Plant Listing

Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass)

Tufted Hair Grass, Hassock Grass, Tussock Grass


One of the few ornamental grasses that grow well in moderately shady locations, Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass) is a clump-forming, cool season, semi-evergreen grass forming a low and dense tussock of narrow, dark green leaves, up to 18 in. tall (45 cm). In early summer, elegant clouds of delicate feathery panicles of purplish-green to tawny flowers emerge on arching stems rising 3 ft. (90 cm) above the foliage. They sway gracefully in the slightest breeze and persist well into winter. Spectacular when backlit by the rising or setting sun!

  • Excellent choice for adding height and structure to the garden, this architectural grass is perfect for beds, and borders where it will easily combine with other plants, city gardens, cottage gardens, prairie plantings, or containers.
  • Growing easily in a dense clump about 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. across (30-60 cm), it enjoys full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Moist and organically rich soils are preferred. Some cultivars are drought tolerant once established.
  • Virtually pest and disease free, it requires very little care and provides weeks of interest from summer to frost. Deer and rabbit resistant!
  • Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes. Self-seeds in ideal growing conditions. Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or fall or by division in early summer.
  • Native to North America.
     

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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* Pictures are courtesy of Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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