Carried by 8 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
California Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. holciformis) is one of three recognized subspecies of this native bunchgrass. Ssp. holicformis grows in Central and Northern California, primarily along the coast and in the Coast Ranges. It is found in coastal prairie habitat and mountain meadows, along with other native grasses such as Fescues (Festuca spp.) and Needlegrass (Stipa spp.). It is most often found in moist to very wet areas such as freshwater or saltwater marsh, riparian areas, and woodland/forest habitats at elevations up to 4,500 ft. It is said to be deer-resistant. Although native to the central/northern coast, it reportedly performs well in coastal areas of southern California. It does not do well in hot, dry inland areas. This subspecies is somewhat less commonly seen in the garden compared with the species, but it would be a good choice for gardens in its native range.
Grass
12 in Wide
Fountain
Moderate
Summer Semi-deciduous
Brown
Deer resistant
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Moderate, High
Max 1x / week once established
Tolerates cold to 25° F
Slow, Standing
Tolerates most soils.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 7.0
4*, 5*, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22*, 23*, 24*
Wet places, meadows, streambanks, marshes
Wetland-Riparian
Use in moist locations with other native grasses, perennial herbs or annual wildflowers such as Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis), Sedges (Carex spp.), Rush (Juncus spp.), Monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis or guttatus), and Hedge Nettle (Stachys spp.)
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 2 likely
Juba Skipper
Hesperia juba
Umber Skipper
Poanes melane