Deer Grass is one of the most impressive of the native bunchgrasses. Established plants are large, and sometimes flowering stalks reach well over five feet. It is dramatic as a specimen and stunning when planted in a large drift. Be sure to give plants enough space  between them to allow for the graceful spread of the foliage. Deer Grass is easy and carefree, and also useful for erosion control on slopes.

This bunchgrass needs full sun and little water; but will adapt to regular water in a mixed border planting. Flowering stalks appear in late summer. Use deer grass with large leaved shrubs, such as Saint Catherine’s Lace or Silk Tassel Bush for maximum contrast. I also like to plant something small and flowery, like Bidens at the edges of this big grass.

Native grasses provide lots of seed in the fall for birds and nesting materials in the spring.  All year long insects find cover within the dense foliage. This plant is totally deer proof; they do not eat grasses, but do find cover, and a place to rest in amongst large drifts of Deer Grass.

Tufted Hairgrass is native to the cool, coastal bluffs, and as such performs best in gardens with a little extra water. In inland gardens, it will also appreciate some shade. The foliage is a vibrant dark green, and typically forms clumps about a foot tall and wide. The graceful flowering stems appear in late spring or early summer, sparkling in the gentle spring sunlight. All the bunchgrasses, with their extensive fibrous root systems, are great for erosion control on hillsides.

Deschampsia cespitosa could be used in a meadow planting, combined with other coastal species such as Iris douglasiana, Sisyrinchium bellum, and Sidalcea malviflora. Hairgrass could also be planted with water-loving natives from riparian plant communities like Columbine, Wild Ginger, and Chain Fern. Bunchgrasses provide cover for all sorts of insects, and caterpillars of some species of Grass Skippers will use the plant.

Grasses also provide both seeds and nesting materials for birds. Deer do not browse any of the native bunchgrasses!

Festuca californica is native to brushy or wooded slopes, particularly those with a north-facing exposure. Established wild stands are a beautiful sight to behold; a billowing blanket enveloping the understory of a mixed forest. It is believed that individual plants may be decades old! There are a number of named varieties that exhibit either deep green, grayish, or more bluish foliage. The blooms occur in early summer, and slowly change to a lovely golden color.

Festucas can be planted as specimens, but are most effective when planted in drifts. Use them on slopes, particularly under native oaks where they could be combined with Sword Ferns, Alum Roots or Fringecups, and Hound’s Tongue. Or plant them as groundcover under Manzanitas, pruned up to reveal their beautiful structure.

This bunchgrass is care-free and productive in a habitat garden. The seeds are large and plentiful; food for numerous creatures. The grass also provides ample nesting materials for birds, and cover for over-wintering insects. 

All bunchgrasses are deer proof!