Tufted Hair Grass, Hair Grass, Hassock Grass, Tussock Grass 'Goldtau'

As the species name suggests, this is a clump-former and does not spread. The foliage is only about 16" tall, and the flower scapes are s...Read Morehorter than those of the species, to about 2'. This is a fairly small grass. Referring to the flowers, the cultivar name means "golden dew".

This is a cool-season grass, so it emerges from dormancy earlier than most in the spring, and it blooms in late spring (June-July here). This cultivar was selected for its later bloom and more compact habit than the species. The flowers can last most of the summer.

The species grows in moist soil, and it can grow in poorly drained areas, though it is also fairly tolerant of drought. It is evergreen in mild winter climates, but tardily deciduous here in Boston Z6a.

It is also one of the most shade tolerant of true grasses---mine did well and bloomed well in dappled shade with almost no direct sun, here in Boston Z6a. Looks great when backlit.

It is not long-lived---mine lasted about 5 years. Regular division may help you keep it going longer.

It likes cool moist climates, and does better in Vermont than in LA. It is said to self-sow, sometimes aggressively, when conditions are right, but mine never did.