Tussock Grass, Tufted Hair Grass, Hair Grass

Deschampsia caespitosa

Physical Characteristics

Deschampsia caespitosa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Temperate areas of Europe, including Britain, Asia, N. Africa, N. America and Australasia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed[105, 161, 177, 257]. No further details are given, though it is likely that the seed was ground into a flour and used as a cereal. However, the seed is quite small and its use would be rather fiddly[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known