Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Tufted Hairgrass is a cool-season, clump-forming grass that grows 1 to 4 feet tall, producing airy, golden seed heads from late spring to summer. It is native to Minnesota’s meadows, wetlands, and rocky shorelines, tolerating a variety of soil conditions but preferring sandy soils. This grass is an excellent choice for erosion control, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes, providing food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. Its ornamental seed heads add texture to prairie plantings and shade gardens.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant
Type	Graminoid
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	20
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	12
Dominance	Low

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.