Hair Grass (Avenella flexuosa)

Hair Grass, also known as Wavy or Crinkled Hair Grass is found in openings like Jack Pine plains, on dunes, or associated with pines or oaks. So it generally grows in sun or in part-sun (such as on the edge of the forest). It is native to the northern 2/3 of the lower peninsula and in the upper peninsula.

The basal leaves grow from 6-12 inches tall and then the inflorescence stems with airy seedheads can grow up to 36 inches, making it a stand-out during the time it is flowering or going to seed. I will be providing images when I get them this season, so check out photos on Michigan Flora or Minnesota Wildflowers. Minnesota Wildflowers refers to this species as Deschampsia flexuosa which Michigan Flora has updated to Avenella.

Grasses and sedges hold the soil in place with their fibrous roots and they also provide shelter for small animals and insects. Some insects may begin their lives up in the trees and then fall to the ground and live in and around grasses or in the soil with their roots. Please consider adding grasses and sedges to your plantings to make the greatest benefit to wildlife.

Hair Grass (Avenella flexuosa)

Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Hair Grass

Height: 12-36 inches

Soil: moist to dry sand, sandy loam, or loam

Sun: part to full sun

Plant spacing: 18-24 inches

Life cycle: perennial

Family: Poaceae

Seed source: Michigan