Cynosurus cristatus, commonly known as crested dog’s-tail, is a short-lived perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including species-rich grasslands, meadows, and pastures across Europe and West Asia. It has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This grass prefers well-drained soils and typically avoids extreme pH levels, thriving in neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Crested dog’s-tail forms dense tufts with slender stems that can reach heights of 6 to 18 inches. The leaves are fine-textured and the plant produces distinctive flower heads with a spiky, "crested" appearance during its flowering season in early summer.

Crested dog’s-tail is valued for its low maintenance and durability, making it a good choice for ornamental lawns and restoration projects in urban and rural settings. It is also used in traditional crafts such as straw plaiting. The grass is a food plant for the caterpillars of various butterfly species, contributing to biodiversity. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, tolerating a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. It performs best in full sun to part shade and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, it is not suitable for heavily trafficked areas as it does not tolerate constant wear.CC BY-SA 4.0