Aira is a genus of Old World plants in the grass family, native to western and southern Europe, central and southwest Asia, plus Africa.[4][5]
The common name, shared with the similar related genera Deschampsia and Koeleria, is hair-grass, from the very slender leaves and stems. The species typically occur on dry, sandy sites, and grow to 20–40 cm tall.
Several species are grown as ornamental plants for their very delicate airy seed heads, used in dried flower arrangements.
Species[6][7]
Aira caryophyllea – Europe, North Africa, alpine Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Caucasus, Tibet
Aira cupaniana – Canary Islands, Mediterranean
Aira elegantissima – Central Europe, Mediterranean, Iran, Caucasus
Aira × hybrida – Switzerland
Aira praecox – Europe, Canary Is, Turkey
Aira provincialis – France incl Corsica
Aira scoparia – Macedonia
Aira tenorei – Mediterranean
Aira uniaristata Portugal, Spain, Libya, Morocco
