How much sun does Deschampsia caespitosa need?

Deschampsia caespitosa grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Deschampsia caespitosa bloom?

Deschampsia caespitosa blooms in June and July.

Where is Deschampsia caespitosa native?

Deschampsia caespitosa is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Deschampsia caespitosa host?

Deschampsia caespitosa is a larval host plant for common wood-nymph.

Deschampsia caespitosa

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Last reviewed: September 2026

Deschampsia caespitosa is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

Toxicity unknown

Deschampsia caespitosa 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

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states

Pollinators

wind pollinated

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 458 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 Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Madrean Archipelago

A fine-textured, densely tufted bunchgrass with narrow dark green leaves and airy, shimmering flower panicles that catch light in a breeze. Forms neat, compact clumps in moist meadows and open forest.

Growing Deschampsia caespitosa

Grow Deschampsia caespitosa in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for common wood-nymph.

Seeds feed small birds, and the grassy foliage is a larval host for the common wood-nymph butterfly.

Common questions

How much sun does Deschampsia caespitosa need?: Deschampsia caespitosa grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Deschampsia caespitosa bloom?: Deschampsia caespitosa blooms in June and July.
Where is Deschampsia caespitosa native?: Deschampsia caespitosa is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Deschampsia caespitosa host?: Deschampsia caespitosa is a larval host plant for common wood-nymph.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Deschampsia caespitosa? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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