Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldschleier' is a cool season ornamental grass known for its fine textured foliage and bright gauzy golden flower plumes. Upright but soft in form, it brings movement and luminosity to borders and meadow plantings.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; tolerates clay and poor fertility
Watering Needs: Moderate; requires consistent moisture during establishment
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This ornamental cultivar descends from northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It naturally occurs in wet meadows, forest edges, and alpine clearings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seed heads attract finches, sparrows, and other small birds, while dense foliage offers refuge and nesting cover.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides a stable environment for predatory ground beetles and other beneficial arthropods that contribute to pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart for full clump development and naturalistic grouping.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for wildflower meadows, mixed borders, rain gardens, and ecological plantings. Blends beautifully with forbs and native sedges in shade to part sun.
Companion Plants
- Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke) - Adds fine foliage and early blooms that echo the airy textures of Deschampsia.
- Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) - Provides dramatic vertical spikes and a naturalistic woodland feel.
- Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell) - Offers nodding blue flowers and a delicate presence in meadow conditions.
- Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman's Root) - Contributes graceful, starry white blooms and strong seasonal structure.
- Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort) - Brings bright violet flowers and grassy texture to naturalized beds.