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Seeds - Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Sale price

Regular price $7.05
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Format

Seeds per gram:

Harvest year: 2025

Origin: Canada

Categories: Grass, Native, Deer resistant, Perennial

Native range: BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL, YT, NT, NU

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is a native perennial grass. It forms dense clumps of narrow, dark green leaves, reaching up to 120 cm in height. The leaves are flat to slightly rolled, with a rough texture on the upper surface. In summer, slender flowering stems rise above the foliage, bearing airy panicles of flowers in silvery, golden, or purplish hues, which persist into winter.

This species is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, found in North America, Eurasia, and North Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including wet meadows, streambanks, bogs, and open forests.

Ecological roles
Tufted hairgrass plays an important ecological role. It provides habitat and a food source for various insects, including certain butterflies and beetles. Its dense clumps also offer shelter for small mammals and birds. Its root system contributes to soil stabilization in wet areas, along banks or in peatland environments, helping to reduce erosion.

 

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Seeds - Tufted Hairgrass

Tufted hairgrass prefers moist to well-drained soils and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates some drought once well established, but its growth is optimal in soils that are rich in organic matter and consistently cool.

The seeds should be sown on the surface of the substrate, without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Germination generally occurs after 7 to 12 days.

Seeds per packet:

Family: Poaceae

Scientific name: Deschampsia cespitosa

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 3

Soil type:
Sandy to clayey

Soil moisture level: Medium to humid

Soil - additional attributes: Tolerates acidity

Light: Sun, part shade, shade

Blooming: June to July

Spacing: 60 cm

Height: 120 cm

Deer resistance: High

Stratification:

Scarification: No

Germination time: 7 to 12 days

Sowing depth: Surface