Skip to main content
Hairgrass (Avenella flexuosa)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Hairgrass

Intermediate

Avenella flexuosa

A foreground plant with thin thread-like leaves spreading like a meadow. Spreads by runners creating natural aquascapes.

Growing Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
15〜28℃
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
3-15cm
Watering
Root tabs, CO2

About

Eleocharis acicularis — commonly called dwarf hairgrass — is a sedge in the family Cyperaceae, distributed widely across temperate to tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its needle-fine, upright leaves spread horizontally via runners to form a close-cropped, lawn-like carpet across the foreground substrate. Adequate light is essential: insufficient illumination causes upward elongation rather than dense lateral spreading. CO2 injection dramatically accelerates both horizontal spread and overall vigor. Fine-grained sandy substrates allow runners to penetrate and spread with particular ease. Broad water-parameter tolerance makes it relatively resilient. Regular 'mowing' — trimming the mat to a uniform height — stimulates the production of new lateral growth and increases carpet density over time, ultimately yielding the flawlessly groomed foreground for which it is celebrated.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Basic Info

Origin

Northern Hemisphere, temperate to tropical regions (widely distributed)

Lifespan

Perennial

Size

3-15cm

Temperature

15〜28℃

Watering & Fertilizer

Root tabs, CO2

Growing Tips

Growth

CO2添加で成長が大幅に促進

Lighting

明るい照明が必要

Breeding

ランナーで横に広がって増える

Grooming

定期的にトリミングすると密度が上がる

Housing

ソイルでの育成が容易

HairgrassForegroundMeadowRunner

Hairgrass FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Hairgrass?
A

Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.

QWhat is the ideal temperature for Hairgrass?
A

The ideal temperature for Hairgrass is 15〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

QWhat is the lifespan of Hairgrass?
A

The average lifespan of Hairgrass is Perennial. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.

QHow large does Hairgrass get?
A

The mature size of Hairgrass is 3-15cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Hairgrass?
A

Hairgrass: watering & fertilizer — Root tabs, CO2. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Hairgrass?
A

The price of Hairgrass varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check ボタちょく's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BoTachoku Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Avenella flexuosa (L.) Roem. & Schult.

Authority databases: GBIF · POWO

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Related Articles

Beginner-Friendly Aquatic Plants Without CO2 Supplementation | Cultivation Conditions and Tank Layout Strategies

You can create a beautiful aquarium without expensive CO2 equipment. This guide explains practical methods for selecting CO2-free aquatic plants that beginners can successfully grow, from cultivation conditions to tank layout strategies.

How to Cultivate Rotala and Bring Out Beautiful Red Color | Lighting, CO2, and Trimming Techniques to Achieve Vibrant Red

This guide explains the Rotala genus, popular in aquatic plant layouts, covering light intensity, CO2, and fertilizer management to bring out red coloration, as well as trimming techniques for maintaining beautiful, dense growth.

Rare Rhizophytic Aquatic Plants Beyond Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Willow Moss | The Appeal of Distinctive Varieties Such as Bolbitis

Beyond the standard rhizophytic aquatic plants Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Willow Moss, there are distinctive rhizophytic species such as Bolbitis. This article explores their appeal, cultivation tips, and how to incorporate them into your layout.

Tissue Culture Aquatic Plants vs. Standard Aquatic Plants: Pesticide Risk Comparison | Safe Aquatic Plant Selection for Shrimp Tanks

Comprehensive comparison of pesticide residue risks between tissue culture aquatic plants (TC plants) and standard aquatic plants. We explain why tissue culture plants are safe, the time required for pesticide removal in standard plants, and how to choose aquatic plants by category (foreground, midground, background) considering pesticide risks from a shrimp tank perspective.

View More Articles →

🩺 Common diseases