How much sun does Annual Hairgrass need?

Annual Hairgrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Annual Hairgrass bloom?

Annual Hairgrass blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Annual Hairgrass native?

Annual Hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides) is native to AZ, CA, ID, ME and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Annual Hairgrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Annual Hairgrass as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Annual Hairgrass attract?

Annual Hairgrass draws bees and beetles.

Is Annual Hairgrass HOA-friendly?

Annual Hairgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Annual Hairgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Deschampsia danthonioides

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Annual Hairgrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, ME and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

Annual hairgrass is a delicate native grass that forms small clumps with fine, thread-like leaves and airy flower heads. It completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, blooming from April through June before setting seed and dying back. This diminutive grass works well as a subtle textural accent in rock gardens or naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Annual Hairgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies completely after blooming, leaving bare spots
Very small size makes it appear sparse or unfinished
Annual nature requires replanting or reseeding yearly

Wildlife value

The flowers provide nectar for native bees and beetles during spring and early summer. Seeds offer food for small birds and the plant structure provides minor habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Annual Hairgrass need?: Annual Hairgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Annual Hairgrass bloom?: Annual Hairgrass blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Annual Hairgrass native?: Annual Hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides) is native to AZ, CA, ID, ME and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Annual Hairgrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Annual Hairgrass as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Annual Hairgrass attract?: Annual Hairgrass draws bees and beetles.
Is Annual Hairgrass HOA-friendly?: Annual Hairgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Annual Hairgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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