How much sun does Crested Hairgrass need?

Crested Hairgrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Crested Hairgrass bloom?

Crested Hairgrass blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Crested Hairgrass native?

Crested Hairgrass (Koeleria pyramidata) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Crested Hairgrass HOA-friendly?

Crested Hairgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Crested Hairgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Koeleria pyramidata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Crested Hairgrass (Koeleria pyramidata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Madrean Archipelago

Crested hairgrass is a bunch grass that forms compact, neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate, pyramidal seed heads from May through July that add graceful movement to the landscape. This drought-tolerant perennial maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Crested Hairgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for small birds and the grass offers nesting material. As a native grass, it supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Crested Hairgrass need?: Crested Hairgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Crested Hairgrass bloom?: Crested Hairgrass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Crested Hairgrass native?: Crested Hairgrass (Koeleria pyramidata) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Crested Hairgrass HOA-friendly?: Crested Hairgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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