SafePlants

Alpine Hairgrass (Deschampsia nubigena)

Alpine Hairgrass, scientifically known as Deschampsia nubigena, is also commonly referred to as hair grass or tussock grass. It is a species belonging to the grass family.

Considerations for Pets

• As a grass, Alpine Hairgrass may be tempting for pets to nibble on, especially cats and dogs.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Deschampsia nubigena Hillebr.
• Common Names: Alpine Hairgrass, Hair Grass, Tussock Grass.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms:
  • Aira hawaiiensis
  • Aira nubigena
  • Aira pallida
  • Deschampsia australis
  • Deschampsia hawaiiensis
• Subspecies: Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. alpina (Alpine Tufted Hairgrass)

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in temperate, subarctic, and alpine regions.
• Specifically mentioned locations include North America, Eurasia, Africa, Hawai'i, Colorado, and Wyoming.
• Habitats include alpine tundra and alpine meadows.

Morphological Characteristics

• Culms and leaves extend 2-8 dm (0.6-2.6 ft) high.
• Strongly caespitose (tufted) growth habit.

Ecological Role

• Study of alpine meadows with tufted hairgrass was conducted in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado.
• Alpine hairgrass meadows in Colorado and Wyoming were examined for plant species differences related to sheep grazing history.

Quirky Facts

• Some varieties are viviparous, producing seedlings instead of seeds, giving offspring a competitive advantage in short arctic summers.
• Mentioned as a plant on which Skipper Butterflies may be found.

Conservation Status

• IUCN (2001) - Data Deficient: Current. This means there is inadequate information available to make a direct or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Deschampsia nubigena.
• Vegetation Analysis of Grazed and Ungrazed Alpine Hairgrass Meadows available on ResearchGate.