Tussock grass, Tufted Hairgrass
Deschampsia cespitosa

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass which has leaves year round. It forms erect tussocks. It grows 1.2-1.8 m high and 1.2-1.5 m wide. The leaves are narrow and dark green. They are 10-60 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. They are often rolled inwards. The form a dense clump. The leaves have sharp tips. The flowers are airy plumes. They start green or purple and change with the season. They are 10-50 cm long by 15-20 cm wide.

There are between 40 and 50 Deschampsia species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and arctic regions. It is frost hardy. It grows in highland and subalpine regions. It likes a moist position in full sun. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, Chile, China, Europe, Finland, Himalayas, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Macquarie Island, Mongolia, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Russia, Scandinavia, Sikkim, Slovenia, South America, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Tibet, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Rušnata masnica

Synonyms

Aira cespitosa;