Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult.
Crested Hair Grass
Crested hair-grass is a neat, densely tufted native perennial of dry, infertile grassland. It forms compact clumps of narrow, often slightly greyish or glaucous leaves, and in early to mid summer sends up slender stems topped with a tight, spike-like flowerhead.
About
Crested hair-grass is a neat, densely tufted native perennial of dry, infertile grassland. It forms compact clumps of narrow, often slightly greyish or glaucous leaves, and in early to mid summer sends up slender stems topped with a tight, spike-like flowerhead. This silvery-green to purplish panicle is shaped like a short, dense cylinder, sometimes lobed or interrupted, and shimmers attractively as the spikelets catch the light.
In Britain it is most at home on thin, base-rich soils: chalk and limestone downland, sand dunes, cliff-tops, rocky outcrops and other dry, well-drained ground where taller grasses struggle. Its low, drought-tolerant habit makes it a valuable component of calcareous and dune grassland mixes, where it knits into short, species-rich swards without smothering wildflowers. The fine foliage and seedheads add structure for invertebrates, and it supports the diverse insect life associated with traditional limestone grassland.
Also known as
Crested Hair-Grass · Glaucous Hair-Grass · June Grass · Prairie June Grass · Prairie Junegrass · junegrass · prairie Koeler's grass
Synonyms
Achaeta geniculata · Aira macrantha · Koeleria albescens sylvatica · Koeleria alpigena mannagettae · Koeleria britannica · Koeleria cristata gracilis · Koeleria cristata macrantha · Koeleria cristata poaeformis · Koeleria cristata pseudocristata · Koeleria cristata violacea
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.