Tufted Hairgrass

Tufted hairgrass is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass found across a wide range of habitats, from wet meadows and riparian zones to montane forests. It forms dense, upright clumps of fine, bright green foliage and produces airy, shimmering panicles that range from silvery to golden as they mature. This species tolerates saturated soils better than most grasses and is often a dominant component of moist grassland communities. Its dense root systems help stabilize soil, while the flowers and seeds support a variety of insects and birds. Durable and adaptable, tufted hairgrass is a key structural grass in many northern and western ecosystems.