Tufted Hairgrass
Deschampsia cespitosa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hairgrass) is a native bunch grass found across most US states that blooms June through August. This adaptable perennial tolerates various light conditions and attracts bees, beetles, and flies.
Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Tufted Hairgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tufted hairgrass is an elegant, cool-season bunchgrass with fine-textured foliage and airy, bronze-tinged flower plumes that appear in summer. It forms neat, rounded clumps of slender green leaves that provide year-round structure and movement in gardens.
Growing Tufted Hairgrass
Grow Tufted Hairgrass in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tufted Hairgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Seed heads may be perceived as untidy if not trimmed after flowering
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for small birds, while the structure offers shelter for beneficial insects. During its summer bloom period, it attracts various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies.
Common questions
- When does Tufted Hairgrass bloom?
- Deschampsia cespitosa blooms from June through August, producing delicate flowering panicles that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Tufted Hairgrass?
- Tufted Hairgrass attracts bees, beetles, and flies during its summer blooming period.
- Where is Deschampsia cespitosa native?
- This grass is native to most US states including western states like California, Colorado, and Washington, as well as northeastern and midwestern regions.
- What growing conditions does Tufted Hairgrass prefer?
- Deschampsia cespitosa tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to high moisture conditions, making it suitable for various garden settings.
- Is Tufted Hairgrass toxic to dogs?
- Tufted Hairgrass is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Tufted Hairgrass toxic to cats?
- Tufted Hairgrass is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Tufted Hairgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Tufted Hairgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Tufted Hairgrass HOA-friendly?
- Tufted Hairgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Tufted Hairgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz