Photo: Ryan DonnellyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Annual Hairgrass Plant Care
Deschampsia danthonioides Munro
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This ornamental grass is known for its delicate, arching leaves that sway gracefully in the wind. Originating from New Zealand, this plant is sought after by collectors for its unique texture and ability to add movement and softness to garden landscapes.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Annual Hairgrass?
Water Annual Hairgrass every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Annual Hairgrass Native To?
What Is the Annual Hairgrass?
Annual Hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Deschampsia genus. Annual Hairgrass is native to western North America from the Yukon Territory and British Columbia, through California and the Western United States, to Baja California, and also to southern South America in Chile and Argentina. Annual Hairgrass is also known as Danthonia Hairgrass.
Annual Hairgrass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Annual Hairgrass produces delicate panicles of tiny flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Annual Hairgrass?
Deschampsia danthonioides 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 Annual Hairgrass Need?
Annual Hairgrass thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Annual Hairgrass Prefer?
Deschampsia danthonioides grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Annual Hairgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Annual Hairgrass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Annual Hairgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Annual Hairgrass?
Feed Annual Hairgrass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Annual Hairgrass?
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 Annual Hairgrass?
Annual Hairgrass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to antarctic hair grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Annual Hairgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Annual Hairgrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Annual Hairgrass?
Annual Hairgrass 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.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Annual Hairgrass Need?
Annual Hairgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Annual Hairgrass is native to western North America from the Yukon Territory and British Columbia, through California and the Western United States, to Baja California, and also to southern South America in Chile and Argentina.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Annual Hairgrass 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.
Deschampsia is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Annual Hairgrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Deschampsia Species
Other Deschampsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Deschampsia danthonioides Munro, family Poaceae (first published in Pl. Hartw. : 342 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Annual Hairgrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ryan Donnelly, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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