Ornamental Maryland Native Plants

Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’

Deschampsia cespitosa, Tufted Hair Grass, is often grown as an ornamental, but it is native to most areas around the world. This grass grows in clumps and grows best in cool seasons. The grass blades can emerge densely and range in width. When the flowers emerge, their colors vary throughout the seasons. They might begin in tones of gold, silver, purple, and green and then turn a yellowish-tan after bloom. These colors keep the grasses attractive through the winter. It grows best in well-drained, organically rich soils in part shade. The variety of Tufted Hair Grass that we sell is a cultivar of the straight species. ‘Goldtau’ tends to have later and longer blooming time than the straight species. It also has darker green grass blades than the straight species.

LGS Notes:

This is a newer plant to me. This season is the first time I’ve grown it. I love it’s texture and dried seeds heads are nice to use for decorations. Songbirds, small mammals, waterfowl and many species of Lepidoptera utilize this plant.  ~Lauren