Tufted Hair Grass

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

This native grass, with its dense shiny green blades, is perfect for the acidic soils of woodland gardens, where it is cool and damp. Ornamental grasses like these can be couched in naturalistic or decidedly tropical gardens, where large-leaved perennials create huge contrast with narrow-bladed grasses. The flower heads (panicles) are much lighter in color, creating a haze of buff tones that stand out boldly against very dark green groundcovers. Heads are also attractive when cut and dried. Casual and easy to care for, this grass is a great potted specimen for porch or patio.

Hair Grass combines nicely with the creamy cool variegation of Morning Light Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light') in warmer climates. For a tropical character mass a backdrop of the bright orange TropicannaTM Canna (Canna indica var. 'Phasion').

Hair or tussock grasses are members of the immense Poaceae family. The genus was classified by French botanist Beaufois around the end of the 18th century. It was named for another French scientists, naturalist Louis Deschamps. A commonly found native of Europe is distributed over an enormous range including North America and Asia.

Tussock grasses were often dug out and used as knee pads by those working on cold stone floors of old European churches, castles and barns.