alpine hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Tones of gold, silver, purple and green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Alpine hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is a grass for borders, containers, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its loose panicles rise 2 to 3 feet above a mostly evergreen clump, start purplish-green to tawny, then bleach and last until late fall. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Birds visit the plant.
Pairs well with Blue wild indigo, Stargazer lily, and Curly Fries hosta.
Native range
Cosmopolitan.