When does Wavy Hairgrass bloom?

Deschampsia flexuosa blooms from May through August, producing delicate flower clusters that attract pollinators.

What pollinators visit Wavy Hairgrass?

Bees and beetles are known to visit the flowers of Deschampsia flexuosa during its blooming period.

What growing conditions does Wavy Hairgrass prefer?

This native grass tolerates partial shade to full shade and performs well in low to medium moisture soils, making it suitable for woodland gardens.

Is Wavy Hairgrass toxic to livestock?

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

Is Wavy Hairgrass HOA-friendly?

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

Wavy Hairgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Deschampsia flexuosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavy Hairgrass) is a native grass found in Vermont that blooms from May through August. This shade-tolerant species thrives in low to medium moisture conditions and attracts bees and beetles.

Wavy Hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa) — Photo: Botaurus / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Wavy hairgrass is a delicate native perennial that forms neat clumps of fine, arching foliage. It produces airy flower heads from late spring through summer that add graceful movement to the garden. This low-maintenance grass stays relatively compact and works well as a textural accent plant.

Growing Wavy Hairgrass

Grow Wavy Hairgrass in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wavy 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 flowers attract bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from May through August. As a native grass, it also provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife.

Common questions

When does Wavy Hairgrass bloom?: Deschampsia flexuosa blooms from May through August, producing delicate flower clusters that attract pollinators.
What pollinators visit Wavy Hairgrass?: Bees and beetles are known to visit the flowers of Deschampsia flexuosa during its blooming period.
What growing conditions does Wavy Hairgrass prefer?: This native grass tolerates partial shade to full shade and performs well in low to medium moisture soils, making it suitable for woodland gardens.
Is Wavy Hairgrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wavy Hairgrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Wavy Hairgrass HOA-friendly?: Wavy 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.

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

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