Tufted Hair Grass


SR 6000 tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa) is not only a new cultivar but an exciting new species for turf usage. No other turfgrass breeding program in the world has developed a tufted hairgrass with such exceptional turf quality.

Tufted hairgrass is a circumpolar, native wetlands grass found from the arctic to temperate area sand in the Americas from Greenland to Alaska, south to New Jersey, West Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, North Dakota, New Mexico and California. In turf, this species can be mowed as low as 1/2 inch or left unmown for its decorative seedheads.

SR 6000 forms a dark green turf that resembles a fine-textured tall fescue at higher mowing heights. SR 6000 produces an upright turf with incredibly high shoot density. This high performance variety has very tough leaves that make it extremely wear tolerant once established. SR 6000 also has an extensive, fibrous root system that tolerates mild drought conditions as well as wet or flooded soils. Plant get 2-3', bronze to cream panicles, will tolerate part shade if sufficient moisture, does not tolerate heat and humidity of zone 8 and higher. Turf quality out perfroms many varieties of turf type fescue.

One of the best ornamental grasses for cooler damp climates. Vigorous plants produce a rounded clump of lush emerald foliage. Showy flower panicles in June and July in green-gold tint, then mature to striking bronze. Flowers remain on evergreen plants through winter if not cut down by snow and hard frost. Preferred for large scale massing to intensify bronze color. Individuals make superior accent or specimen. Naturally adapted to wetlands and suited to low spots with difficult drainage. Herbaceous perennial. Full sun, part shade further south. Fast foliage growth to 1 to 2 feet tall and as wide, up to 4 feet in bloom. Prefers moist soil.

Planting Rate: 2 to 3 pounds per 1000 square feet or 90 to 125 pounds per acre
Germination: Emergence in 14 to 21 days
First Mowing: First mowing approximately 45 days, depending on usage
Zones: 4 - 8