Dwarf Tufted Hair Grass

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

2 to 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.