Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass) — golden seed clouds floating like summer mist

Soft and airy, Tufted Hair Grass forms mounds of fine foliage topped with shimmering golden seed heads. Graceful in sun or partial shade, it brings woodland elegance and light-catching texture even to desert gardens.

Plant Details:

• Water Needs: Moderate; tolerates dry soil once established but prefers occasional moisture

• Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates clay

• Growing Zone: USDA Zones 4–9

• Cold Hardiness: Down to ~–30°F (–34°C)

• Mature Size: 2–3 ft tall x 1–2 ft wide

• Native Origin: North America, Europe, Asia

• Best Substitutes For: Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

• Landscape Uses: Meadows, shady borders, naturalistic plantings, pollinator gardens