Description
Deschampsia – Hair Grass –
There are about 50 species of tufted or tussock forming, herbaceous or evergreen, perennial grasses, in this genus. They are widely distributed in arctic and temperate zones, in damp meadows, moorland, and woodland clearings, and on high Mountains in tropical regions. The leaves are thread like, linear, or oblong. Grown for their habit and graceful, airy panicles, they are suitable for a mixed, herbaceous, or shrub border, and also appropriate for a wildflower garden. The flower heads of the taller species are useful in fresh or dried arrangements.
Grow in dry to damp, neutral to acidic, compost enriched soil in sun or partial shade. Divide in spring.
D. flexuosa – Aira flexuosa – Wavy Hair Grass – Crinkled Hair Grass – This tufted, often rhizomatous, evergreen grass from Europe, Asia and Northeastern USA and South America grows 2-3′ feet tall and 12″ wide. It produces thread like, smooth, bluish green leaves, to 8″ long. Open panicles, to 5″ long, of glistening, silver-tinted purple or brown spikelets, are borne on wavy stalks in early and mid summer, above the foliage. Prefers acidic soil.
Zones 4-9
