Deschampsia cespitosa
Deschampsia cespitosa is a graceful native ornamental grass with fine dark green foliage and airy clouds of silvery green flower panicles that rise above the clump in summer. The delicate seed heads catch the light and move beautifully in the breeze while persisting into fall and winter for extended seasonal interest.
Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 1 - 2 ft
Bloom Time: Summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full sun
Soil Preference: Moist to wet, well drained soil rich in organic matter
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
Deschampsia cespitosa is a North American native perennial grass with a broad native range. It is particularly well suited to moist woodland edges, meadows, and other naturalistic plantings where its fine texture and airy seed heads provide habitat and seasonal interest.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Attracts songbirds which feed on the developing seeds while the dense clumps also provide useful cover near the ground.
Small Mammals
- Its dense tufted growth provides low shelter and cover for small garden wildlife while adding habitat value to naturalistic plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart for mass plantings or allow up to 3 ft between plants when grown as individual specimens.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for woodland edges, shaded borders, rain gardens, meadow plantings, and areas near ponds or streams where its airy flower heads can move freely in the breeze.
Companion Plants
- Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume' (Astilbe) - Adds soft pink flower plumes and lush foliage that complement the airy texture of tufted hair grass.
- Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (Coral Bells) - Provides dark foliage contrast beneath the fine green texture of the grass.
- Hosta 'Halcyon' (Plantain Lily) - Brings broad blue green leaves that create a strong textural contrast in shaded plantings.
- Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline' (Bee Balm) - Adds vibrant summer flowers and strong pollinator appeal while complementing the grass's upright form.
- Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort) - Forms a low spreading layer of foliage and bright yellow flowers that works naturally with its woodland character.