Deschampsia cespitosa TUFTED HAIR GRASS , FAIRY WAND GRASS Forms a dense tussock of narrow, arching, dark green leaves. Numerous erect stems are adorned by large plumes with clouds of pale green to purplish flowers having a delicate, airy habit, arching 2 to 3 ft. above the foliage. Glimmering plumes keep their silky soft beauty far into summer, turning golden yellow in autumn. Semi-evergreen in our region, and if foliage freezes to dormancy, the soft tuft still looks neat, with foliage tips turning yellowish orange in a hard freeze. Indispensable grass, tolerating shade, associating well with other flowers and foliage. Good as a specimen, or massed as a ground cover especially on moist slopes or along water. Sites well in meadows, wet areas and woods. Gorgeous in angular back light or where plumes are seen from below. One of the earliest grass bloomers. Resents hot and dry conditions, best in moist, fertile soil in light shade. In deep shade they won't bloom well. Add a soft touch with this native of the Norhtern Hemisphere. Deschampsia c. 'Northern Lights' This graceful compact plant adds a novel coloration to the grass pallet. Leaves emerge in spring with golden variegation and pink tips that hold up into summer and then progresses to creamy white. The subtle and beautiful tawny pastel color effect of this plant is a welcomed sight all season.