Aira caryophyllea
Aira caryophyllea · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant aira caryophyllea: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Plant type
- Annual herbaceous grass
- Adult height
- 20 to 40 cm
- Flowering
- April to June
- Foliage
- Deciduous, fine and delicate
- Hardiness
- Rustic, tolerates cold
- Origin
- Western and Mediterranean Europe
Care
Exposure
Hair grass thrives in full sun or partial shade, in an open and airy location. It tolerates exposed situations and appreciates good light to develop its harmonious form. Avoid overly shaded areas that would slow its growth.
Soil and drainage
This grass adapts to most soils, including poor or stony ones. It prefers rapid drainage and tolerates dry to moderately moist soils. Avoid constantly waterlogged soils that promote rot.
Watering
Water moderately during spring and summer growth, especially during prolonged drought. Once established, hair grass is undemanding and tolerates dry periods well. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. You can leave dried stems and inflorescences in place for their winter effect. In late winter or early spring, remove dried parts if desired to encourage new growth.
Fertilizer
Hair grass is undemanding in nutrients and generally needs no fertilizer. A very modest addition of organic matter at planting time is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes unbalanced development.
Pests and diseases
This grass is generally robust and rarely subject to diseases or pests. Good drainage and air circulation are enough to prevent problems. Watch for excess moisture that could occasionally cause rot.
Did you know?
Hair grass gets its botanical name 'caryophyllea' from the clove scent (clove bud) that its tiny flowers release when crushed. This small annual grass, once common in lean meadows and arid grasslands across Europe, has become less widespread with agricultural intensification and habitat homogenization.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.