| Deschampsia cespitosa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Deschampsia |
| Species: | D. cespitosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P.Beauv. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Deschampsia caespitosa |
|
Deschampsia cespitosa, commonly known as Tufted Hair-grass or Tussock grass[1] is a perennial tufted plant in the grass family Poaceae.[2] Distribution of this Deschampsia grass species is widespread including the eastern and western coasts of North America, parts of South America, and Eurasia.
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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.[3]
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 1.5 metres tall, and has a long, narrow, pointed ligule.[4]
It flowers from June until August.
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.
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Deschampsia_cespitosa Deschampsia cespitosa] at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Deschampsia cespitosa at Wikispecies