- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 20 - 24 Inches
- Mature Spread 20 - 24 Inches
- Growing Zones 2 - 8
Native grasses add beauty to the garden with little effort, and they support a variety of wildlife, with Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cesp. Pixie Fountain) 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.
Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass Care
Choose a partly shaded area for this cool-season grass that grows mostly in spring and fall. In hotter zones of its range, try to ensure it gets afternoon shade and plenty of water. This grass can grow in average soil that drains well, but really thrives in rich, moist soils. The native grass needs little fertilizing, but applying a slow-release balanced fertilizer each spring can help it grow and green.
If you want to tidy the grass in fall, remove the flower stems. But the birds will appreciate you leaving the seeds on the plant. Cut Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass back in early spring before new growth appears in areas with mild winters. In cooler climates, you can cut the grass at nearly ground level. It responds well to the pruning and grows back quickly.
Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass Spacing
Enjoy the seed heads swaying in the wind all year by grouping several of these tufted hair grasses together. Space them about 18 to 20 inches apart to account for their growth.
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:
- 1005659-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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- 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.