photo of Deschampsia flexuosa

Deschampsia flexuosa

Wavy Hairgrass

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Wavy Hairgrass is a winter-hardy, ornamental grass with fine-textured, hair-like blades. Feathery purple to bronze flowers appear July-September,...

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Description:

Wavy Hairgrass is a winter-hardy, ornamental grass with fine-textured, hair-like blades. Feathery purple to bronze flowers appear July-September, turning gold during the winter; the flowers are good fresh-cut or dried. Wavy Hairgrass is one of the few grass species that will grow well in dry shade, although it flowers best in partly shady conditions. Clumping grasses like this one provide nesting sites and winter cover for birds, such as quail and sparrows, and shelter for small mammals. The seeds provide fall and winter food for a number of birds, including cardinals, sparrows, and finches. Use as a specimen plant, or plant in groups in shady borders, woodland gardens, or wildlife habitat areas.

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Grass

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Summer, Late Summer to Fall

Bloom Colors: Purple, Brown

Deer Resistance: High

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Birds

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: Piedmont - P, Coastal Plain - CP

Grows in Special Ecoregions: Barrier Island/Coastal, Pinelands

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy

Soil Moisture: Dry

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Partial Shade

Light Range: Partial Shade, Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 2 - 3 ft

Spread: 1 - 2 ft

Growth Rate: Medium