Slender Hairgrass
Deschampsia elongata
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
Slow; Prefers moist, slow draining soil.
2–3ft tall
Mar-May
Resistant
Friendly
Moist meadows and riparian areas in the Sierra Nevada and northern California, typically at 4,000-10,000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Slender Hairgrass in full sun to part shade in moist, slow-draining soil - this is key to its success in the Bay Area. Space plants to accommodate their mature height of 2-3 feet and their tendency to form dense clumps. Plant in spring to give your new hairgrass the full growing season to establish before summer.
After Planting
Water moderately and consistently during your first growing season to keep the soil moist; once established, this native grass is adapted to your region's moisture patterns. Expect spring blooms (March-May) from delicate flower clusters, then minimal maintenance - just let it do its thing. The biggest mistake people make is planting this in fast-draining soil or skipping water during establishment; it genuinely wants moisture, so don't treat it like a drought-tolerant grass.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
resident and migratory populations utilize grass seeds year-round; nesting habitat
year-round residents feed on seeds and use dense grass cover for nesting
winter residents feed on grass seeds September through April
migrants and winter residents glean grass seeds during fall migration and overwintering
Insects
larvae feed on grass blades in spring, critical early season host plant
larvae develop on grass foliage in spring months
fungal pathogen; grass serves as alternate host in disease cycle