Tufted hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Cool season, leafy, densely tufted perennial bunchgrass. Most common on moist sites between 5,000 and 13,000 ft. but may occur on drier sites at its upper limit. Very palatable to both livestock and wildlife. Cool season, densely tufted, perennial bunchgrass. One of the most widely distributed grasses on earth and a larval food plant for several butterflies and host for numerous insects. Adapted to soil textures from fine to coarse and soil pH as low as 3.5. Useful for acidic soil reclamation where precipitation is adequate. Low salinity tolerance. Most common on moist sites from sea level up to 14,000 ft. elevation, but may occur on drier sites at its upper limit. Palatable to both livestock and wildlife. Use in woodlands, seasonally wet meadows and for stabilizing disturbed riparian sites.