Slender hair grass (Deschampsia elongata, G.Bentham, Pl. Hartw.: 342 (1857))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Hook.) Munro

Bibliography: G.Bentham, Pl. Hartw.: 342 (1857)

Year: 1857

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Deschampsia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alaska to Mexico, S. South America

Description

Slender hair grass, scientifically known as Deschampsia elongata, is a graceful and versatile species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This elegant plant exudes a sophisticated charm with its slender, wiry stems and delicate flower clusters, which sway gently in the breeze, providing a sense of movement and vitality to its surroundings.

The botanical journey of Deschampsia elongata was first detailed by G. Bentham in the work Pl. Hartw. in 1857, and the species name was later affirmed by the authorial contributions of (Hook.) Munro. This historical context underscores its established presence and the continued interest it commands within the botanical community.

Geographically, Slender hair grass boasts a diverse and expansive range. In North America, it is found from the frigid expanses of Alaska through to the more temperate regions of Mexico. In addition to its North American habitat, this resilient grass also thrives in parts of southern South America, showcasing its adaptability across a variety of climates and terrains.

The plant’s name, Slender hair grass, aptly describes its physical characteristics. Its fine, hair-like structures create a visual lightness, making it a preferred choice for naturalistic garden designs, meadow restorations, and as a decorative element in landscaping projects. The grass’s ability to establish in different environmental conditions also makes it valuable for erosion control and habitat rehabilitation efforts.

In summary, Slender hair grass, Deschampsia elongata, is a notable member of the Poaceae family, appreciated not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its ecological adaptability. From the northern reaches of Alaska to the southern tips of South America, this plant continues to captivate and serve, embodying both beauty and resilience.

Common Names

Eng: slender hairgrass, slender hair grass
Swe: slanktåtel
Fra: deschampsie à panicule allongée
En: Slender hair grass, Slender hairgrass
Fr: Deschampsie à panicule allongée
Sv: Slanktåtel

Synonyms

• Deschampsia elongata var. tenuis (Vasey)
• Deschampsia ciliata ((Vasey) Rydb.)
• Aira vaseyana (Rydb.)
• Deschampsia aciphylla var. pumila ((Franch.) Macloskie)
• Aira aciphylla (Franch.)
• Deyeuxia schaffneri (E.Fourn.)
• Deschampsia elongata var. ciliata (Vasey)
• Aira aciphylla var. pumila (Franch.)
• Deschampsia aciphylla ((Franch.) Speg.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Maine (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Oregon (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Colorado (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Feb 3, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 3, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2015 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703190)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1146358-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Deschampsia elongata (Hook.) Munro)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.8

Ph minimum: 6.0