Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Hardy, North American perennial grassDescription: Narrow, arching, dark green grass blades form a neat mound; airy, cloud-like, purplish-green flower panicles rise above the foliage in mid-summer and turn shades of gold and tan when the seeds form in fallHabit: Grows up to 3 feet high when in flower, and up to 2 feet wide; clump-formingCulture: Prefers part shade and moist to average, well-drained, organically rich soilsHardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 2 Included in Linnaeus' Species Plantarum (1753) as Aira cespitosa, this ornamental grass is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Tufted Hair Grass prefers part shade, unlike many other ornamental grasses, but it flowers better with more sun. It is most effective when grouped in lightly shaded woodland gardens and borders, and along ponds or streams. Beneficial to wildlife as well, birds feed on the seeds and the Umber Skipper uses it as a larval host plant.