Rank Species | Genus Deschampsia Higher classification Deschampsia | |
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Similar Deschampsia, Grasses, Calamagrostis, Deschampsia flexuosa, Molinia caerulea | ||
deschampsia cespitosa
Deschampsia cespitosa, commonly known as tufted hairgrass or tussock grass is a perennial tufted plant in the grass family Poaceae. Distribution of this Deschampsia grass species is widespread including the eastern and western coasts of North America, parts of South America, Eurasia and Australia.
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Description
It can be found on all types of grassland, although it prefers poorly drained soil. It forms a major component of the British NVC community MG9 - Holcus lanatus to Deschampsia cespitosa mesotrophic grasslands. It can exist up to altitudes of 4000 ft.
A distinguishing feature is the upper surface of the leaf blade which feels rough and can cut in one direction, but is smooth in the opposite direction. The upper side of the leaves are deeply grooved, and are dark green.
It can grow to 4.5 feet (1.5 Meters) tall, and has a long, narrow, pointed ligule.
It flowers from June until August.
North America
Typical native grass associates in the western North American coastal prairies, such as the California coastal prairie, are Festuca californica, Festuca idahoensis, Danthonia californica, and Nassella pulchra.
