Figure 1 - Deschampsia Caespitosa blooming in summer
Figure 2 - U.S. Distribution
Figure 3 – Close view of spikelets
Distribution
Due to Tufted hairgrass’ wide range of tolerance and lack of susceptibility to most pests it grows in a variety of places. It can be found in mountains at high and low elevations, prairies, woodlands, bogs, stream banks and even in moist arctic regions. However is thrives best in moist areas such as riparian zones. Tufted hairgrass can grow in light sandy, loamy, heavy clay, acidic, alkaline soils (pH3.3-8.4) and even in gravel or grantic materials. However, genetic variability is developing between the plants growing in different regions. One such example is a variety that grows around mines which have developed a tolerance to metals such as zinc, copper, lead and others.
Characteristics
Tufted hairgrass’ growing season takes place mainly in the spring and summer while flowering takes place between the summer and fall. It requires medium to low amounts of moisture but gravitates toward moist areas. Tufted hairgrass grows 2-3 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet. It has a fibrous root system with a low protected crown. Its stems are densely clumped and its leaves are basal, tufted, and can be smooth or scabrous. The evergreen leaves are 8-20cm with a width of 1-4mm and generally flat. During the summer-fall numerous flower stems rise generally purple, gold, silver or green in color. The flowers contain male and female organs, a hermaphrodite, and pollination occurs mainly due to wind. Spikelets then form in the late summer to fall as the flowers reduce and become seeds.
Importance
Tufted hairgrass is utilized for multiple purposes. It is very important in many parts for grazing since it can be grazed year round, but it is most viable during the spring and summer. However, due to low protein content as seen in fig. 4, protein
