February Perennial of the Month-Crinkled Hair Grass

How many Missouri native plants can also be found on four other continents? Crinkled hair grass, Deschampsia flexuosa, can brag about calling Europe, Asia, Africa, and North & South America home. So, what does this tell us about this grassy world citizen? Adaptability is the first word that comes to my mind. If it can handle so many different parts of the world, it should be able to handle your garden, even if your garden is in St. Louis.

In the wild, crinkled hair grass can be found in grasslands, dry, open woods, slopes, and fields. Although full sun is preferred, it’s one of the few grasses that will tolerate part-shade. The foliage can even remain semi-evergreen in mild winters. Its low-growing habit, 2-3’, makes it ideal for groundcover, or as an ornamental planted in drifts or in containers. The flower heads that form in late summer are an attractive bronzy-purple that eventually fade to pale gold for great winter interest.

What I love about this plant;

-It’s native!

-Low-growing.

-Adaptable, taking full sun to part-shade.

-Drought-tolerant.

What’s not so great;

-Doesn’t like high heat or humidity, so a little afternoon shade is appreciated.

-Requires a haircut in late winter/early spring before new foliage emerges.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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