Tufted Hair Grass

Tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa, Poaceae) is a medium-growth ornamental grass reaching 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, forming dense clumps of fine, dark green, deeply grooved leaves. Cloud-like inflorescences in gold, silver, and purple tones rise above the foliage from June through August, creating an airy textural effect.

Tufted hair grass grows in sun to part shade on moist to wet soils high in organic matter, hardy in Zones 4a to 9b. It tolerates black walnut proximity and urban conditions and attracts birds. Maintenance is low. No significant pest or disease issues are documented. Cultivars include 'Goldtau' (gold-tinted inflorescences) and 'Northern Lights' (variegated foliage).