Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass

About this plant

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau', or Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass, is an elegant ornamental grass prized for its fine-textured, arching foliage and airy flower plumes. The plant forms dense, rounded mounds of narrow, deep green leaves that often take on a golden hue, especially in cooler weather, creating a captivating visual effect. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of delicate, gold-tinged flower panicles emerge, held aloft on slender stems above the foliage. These feathery plumes shimmer in the sunlight and add a light, ethereal quality to the landscape, persisting beautifully through the summer and into fall. 'Goldtau' is a versatile grass, excellent for mass plantings, borders, naturalized areas, or as an accent plant. Its refined appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for both contemporary and traditional garden designs.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Generally low-maintenance. Cut back foliage to about 2-3 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.