[6][7] The genus is named for French physician and naturalist Louis Auguste Deschamps (1765–1842).

[6][8] Deschampsia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera, including antler moth, the clay, clouded-bordered brindle, common wainscot, dark arches, dusky brocade, shoulder-striped wainscot, smoky wainscot and wall.

Deschampsia sometimes grow in boggy acidic formations, an example of which is the Portlethen Moss, Scotland.

[11][12] Some species, such as D. cespitosa, are grown as ornamental garden plants.

As of November 2024[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[4] Deschampsia formerly included many species now placed in other genera, such as Aira, Antinoria, Bromus, Calamagrostis, Centropodia, Colpodium, Dissanthelium, Holcus, Periballia, Peyritschia, Poa, Trisetum and Vahlodea.