Tufted Hair Grass Plant Care

Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P.Beauv.

Deschampsia cespitosa, commonly known as tufted hairgrass or tussock grass, is a perennial tufted plant in the grass family Poaceae. The distribution of this species is widespread, with it being native to North America, Central Africa, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Eurasia and being introduced to South Africa, South Australia and South America.

🌾Grains & Cereals🎋Grasses & Bamboo
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to part shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Is the Tufted Hair Grass?

Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Deschampsia genus. Tufted Hair Grass is native to North America, Central Africa, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Eurasia and being introduced to South Africa, South Australia and South America. Tufted Hair Grass is also known as Tufted Hairgrass, Wavy Hair Grass, Wavy Hairgrass.

Tufted Hair Grass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 inches. Tufted Hair Grass produces delicate panicles of tiny flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Tufted Hair Grass?

Deschampsia cespitosa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Tufted Hair Grass Need?

Tufted Hair Grass thrives in full sun to part shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Tufted Hair Grass in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

200–1000 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tufted Hair Grass Prefer?

Deschampsia cespitosa grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Tufted Hair Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tufted Hair Grass?

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Tufted Hair Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Tufted Hair Grass?

Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Tufted Hair Grass?

Tufted Hair Grass can be propagated through division, seeds.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

Is the Tufted Hair Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?

Non-Toxic

Non-toxic to humans and pets

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tufted Hair Grass?

Tufted Hair Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tufted Hair Grass Need?

Tufted Hair Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. Native to North America, Central Africa, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Eurasia and being introduced to South Africa, South Australia and South America, Tufted Hair Grass is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Tufted Hair Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Tufted Hair Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Deschampsia genus — compare its care with other Deschampsia species on PlantoScan.

Tufted Hair Grass tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Identify Plants Like the
Tufted Hair Grass Instantly

Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.

Download on the App Store

Free

to download

89%

accuracy

5.0

App Store

200K+

species