Aira caryophyllea is a species of grass known by the common name silver hairgrass.

It's a species of bunchgrass that is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

It has been introduced to other continents, including North America, where it is naturalized and common.

Aira caryophyllea is a light green grass with a silvery sheen on its spikelets before it dries and becomes straw-colored to white.

The spikelets are borne on a spreading panicle inflorescence.