Aira

Taxobox
name = "Aira"

---

image_width = 270px
image_caption = "Aira praecox"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Poales
familia = Poaceae
genus = "Aira"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = see text

"Aira" is a genus of about 10 species of annual grasses, native to western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and Africa. 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 include:

*"Aira alpina"
*"Aira caryophyllea" - Silver Hair-grass
*"Aira cupaniana"
*"Aira elegantissima"
*"Aira praecox" - Early Hair-grass
*"Aira provincialis"
*"Aira tenorei"