Chionochloa conspicua

Chionochloa conspicua (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late summer to autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 2m (when in flower)

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Poaceae

Chionochloa conspicua is is an evergreen, tussock forming grass. Its brown/ green leaves are coarse, strap shaped, up to 1m long and 15mm broad. Its flowers appear as 50cm tall lax panicles on arching stems that are up to 2m high.

Chionochloa conspicua, commonly known as Plumed Tussock Grass, Hunangemoho Grass or Snow Grass, is native to New Zealand.

The etymological root of the binomial name Chionochloa is derived from the Greek chiono meaning ‘snow’ and khloe meaning ‘young green shoots’. Conspicua is derived from the Latin conspicio meaning ‘behold’.

The landscape architect may find Chionochloa conspicua useful as a ground cover grass when planted en mass or as part of a mixed herbaceous planting scheme. Once established this grass is drought tolerant. It is not attractive to deer.

Ecologically, Chionochloa conspicua seeds are attractive to some birds.

Chionochloa conspicua Flower (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

Chionochloa conspicua prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid to neutral pH of soil.

Chionochloa conspicua requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.