Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P.Beauv.

Densely tufted perennial, 250-850 mm high. Leaf blade 70-200 x 2-4 mm, expanded, scabrid, pale green to light brown when dry; ligule an unfringed membrane. Inflorescence a lax, open panicle; spikelets pedicelled. Spikelets 3-4 mm long, laterally compressed; glumes ± equal, ± as long as spikelet; rachilla pilose, rarely glabrous, distinctly elongated between florets. Florets usually 2, bisexual; lemma shiny, toothed or lobed, truncate, awned from back near base; awn straight, almost equalling spikelet; anther 1.0-2.0 mm long. Flowering time Jan.-Mar.

Damp woods and meadows, usually on badly drained clay soils.

Can be grown by seedlings.