Tufted Hairgrass

A notably tall, tufted perennial as it reaches maturity. The rich green, ribbed leaves and prominent panicle make it an eye catching addition to gardens.

Uses

Generally used as an ornamental species.

Persistence

A perennial species.

Strengths

The rich green foliage stays green throughout the winter, providing form and cover in gardens, when many other species die back.

Sowing Rate Advice

Rarely sown as a pure stand

20kg per acre / 50kg per ha.

Management

Allowing Tufted Hairgrass to grow, without management, leads to the formation of large, coarse tussocks, which can be difficult to mow or cut.

Distinguishing characteristics

Seed
Ovate and blunt ended in shape. The seed is light brown to amber in colour, with a noticeably smooth and shiny texture. It’s a small seed approximately 1mm in length.

Flowering Plant
A densely tufted species, getting taller and thicker as it matures. The leaves are flat and prominently ribbed, with longitudinally running lines, the upper surface of the leaf is rough, along with the ribs and margins. This species has a large ligule, which can reach 15 mm in length and is sharply pointed. The culms are tall and rough towards the panicle, which is loose and nodding. It varies in colour from green, silvery, golden or purple, or an amalgamation of these colours. It is noted for growing as tussocks. This species is tall, reaching from 20 cm when young to 120 cm in height.

Additional Info

Flowering from June - August. Generally not favoured by livestock

Buy Tufted Hairgrass Straight

You can find Tufted Hairgrass in the following mixtures

• Woodland Edge and Shady Area Mixture

History

Caespitose means having a tuft.