- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 20 - 24 Inches
- Mature Spread 18 - 20 Inches
- Growing Zones 2 - 8
Tufted Hair Grass, also known as Deschampsia cespitosa, is an excellent ornamental grass for adding gorgeous golden seedheads during the summer and a deep green leaf color through all four seasons. The thin strappy leaves form a fountain of foliage that stays compact and tidy without becoming a nuisance for wildlife habitats. Tufted Hair Grass blooms early in the summer with long-lasting feathery panicles of tiny flowers that add textural contrast in garden beds with other larger-leaved perennials.
Native grasses add beauty to the garden with little effort, and they support a variety of wildlife, with Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass topping both lists. The finely textured leaves on this evergreen grass form a tight clump at the bottom and gently arch at the top. In late summer, plumes of seeds appear at the end of the foliage, feeding birds as the growing season ends. In summer, butterflies also visit the grass for food.
This dwarf grass also provides a place for moth caterpillars to reside and for small birds or animals to seek cover. It does all this in a small package, rising to only about 2 feet high and spreading about 20 inches wide by summer. It can grow in partial shade, a rarity for ornamental grasses, so it’s suitable for woodland gardens. It also can handle moist soil and grows well in containers, wetlands, or water gardens in a wide climate range of zones 2 through 8.
Ornamental grasses have few pests and diseases. Deer and rabbits do not like the strappy leaves, and the sharp edges easily cut snails and slugs. This perennial is virtually maintenance-free and long lasting. Although Tufted Hair Grass will grow greener and larger in soil that remains consistently moist, it tolerates periods of drought by conserving energy and growing slightly smaller. Container-grown ornamental grasses give a modern look to patios and decks when planted as single specimens.
Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass Care
Tufted Hair Grass is versatile and will grow in many settings. In northern areas, full sun will help this grass flower well and keep a deep green color. In hotter areas, try to ensure it gets afternoon shade and plenty of water. Well-drained and loamy soil is ideal, while sandy and clay soils can be amended with compost to improve the texture.
The native grass needs little fertilizing, but applying a slow-release balanced fertilizer each spring can help it grow and green up. Sprinkle a balanced, granular fertilizer around the root zone and scratch it into the top 1-2 inches of soil. Water well with 1 inch of water a week.
Tufted Hair Grass is classified as a cool-season ornamental grass and can be cut back before winter. Cool-season grasses grow early in the spring and bloom at the beginning of summer. Cut the foliage within 6 inches of the ground and mulch with compost or fine arborists chips in the fall. In areas with mild winters, Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass can be cut back in early spring before new growth appears. Tufted hair Grass will slowly die out from the center of the plant. Dividing every 3-4 years helps to keep the clumps vigorous and is an easy way to multiply your plants.
Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass Spacing
The mature size of Tufted Hair Grass is compact, with a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 1-2 feet. Enjoy the seed heads swaying in the wind all year by grouping several of these tufted hair grasses together. Space each plant 18 inches apart on center when planting as a groundcover or in large groups. Container-grown plants need a pot with as least a 12-inch diameter.
Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 20 - 24 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 20 Inches |
Spacing: 18 - 20 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Edging, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: DESCHAMPSIA CESPITOSA `PIXIE FOUNTAIN` |
- SKU:
- 1231005659-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
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- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.