Deschamspia cespitosa
Deschampsia cespitosa, commonly called tufted hair grass, is a clump-forming, cool season grass which is often grown as an ornamental. Numerous flower stems rise in summer from the foliage mound to a height of 3' bearing wide, airy panicles of tiny, variably-colored flowers (tones of gold, silver, purple and green) which form a cloud over the foliage that is particularly attractive when backlit. Flower panicles turn yellowish-tan after bloom as the seed ripens and may remain attractive through much of the winter. One of the few ornamental grasses that grows well in shade.
Care:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils. Cut old foliage to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear. Flowering stems may be removed in fall to tidy plants or left for winter interest. This is one of the few ornamental grasses that grows well in moderately shady locations, however it will not flower well if moved into too much shade. Semi-evergreen foliage may retain some green color in mild winter. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Tones of gold, silver, purple and green
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Birds
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Black Walnut, Air Pollution