Aira caryophyllea
silver hair grass
A native annual grass found throughout the British Isles, forming dense tussocks up to 30cm high, with very fine, thread-like leaves. Airy sprays of silvery spikelets, sometimes tinged purple, appear from late spring to mid-summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Aira can be annual or biennial, tufted grasses with thread-like leaves and lax panicles of small silvery or purplish flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia, Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Found on dry, sandy or rocky ground, even growing on walls. It will thrive in poor, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old growth in early spring to keep tidy
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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