Somerset Hair Grass

Koeleria vallesiana

Native to:
Algeria, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Koeleria
Species:
Koeleria vallesiana
USDA Symbol:
KOVA2

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
green, silver

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from basal buds following fire; tolerates occasional burning typical of calcareous grasslands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
dry, well-drained calcareous soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers rocky or sandy substrates

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with light exposure and cool temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI