Snow Grass

Botanical name: Chionochloa conspicua subsp. conspicua
Synonyms: Arundo conspicua, Calamagrostis conspicua, Achnatherum conspicuum, Agrostis conspicua, Cortaderia conspicua, Deyeuxia conspicua
Common name(s): Hunangamoho, Snow Grass

About:
A large and graceful New Zealand snow tussock renowned for its spectacular feathery flower plumes. It forms broad evergreen clumps of arching foliage and in summer produces airy, silvery flower heads that rise well above the leaves. Although often compared with pampas grass or toetoe, Hunangamoho has a softer, more elegant appearance and is one of New Zealand’s most ornamental native grasses.

Natural habitat:
Coastal to montane grasslands, open shrublands, forest margins, river terraces and rocky slopes.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun to light shade and a moist but free-draining soil. Tolerates wind, frost and coastal conditions. Adaptable to a range of garden situations and generally easier to cultivate than many alpine snow tussocks.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found naturally in the North and South Islands, particularly in coastal and montane regions.

Height:
1–2 m

Width:
1–1.5 m

Flowering:
Summer

Fruiting:
Late summer to autumn

Uses:
• Feature plant in native gardens
• Coastal and cottage gardens
• Mass planting and screening
• Dried flower arrangements
• Restoration planting
• Architectural landscape planting

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A large evergreen tussock forming broad, arching clumps with numerous flowering stems rising above the foliage.

Leaves:
Leaves are long, broad and arching, blue-green to deep green, with three conspicuous veins. Leaf sheaths are hairy and persistent, contributing to the dense tussock base.

Flowers:
Produces large, open and feathery flower panicles held well above the foliage. The silvery plumes are highly ornamental and remain attractive for many months, making excellent fresh or dried flowers.

Fruit:
Small wind-dispersed seeds are produced within the flowering panicles and released during late summer and autumn.

Ecology:
A hardy native grass whose florets are dispersed by wind. Dense tussocks provide shelter for insects and small animals while helping to stabilise soils and reduce erosion.

Associated habitats:
Open grasslands, shrublands, forest margins, coastal hillsides, river terraces and rocky slopes.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun or light shade in moist, free-draining soil. Water regularly while establishing but avoid waterlogging. Once established it is hardy, frost tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Propagation:
Easily grown from fresh seed. Seed germinates readily without treatment, although cold stratification for several weeks may improve germination speed and uniformity.

Cultural use:
Traditionally valued for its striking appearance and now widely grown as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful native ornamental grasses.

Garden value:
An outstanding specimen tussock combining bold evergreen foliage with spectacular feathery flower plumes. Ideal for adding movement, texture and year-round structure to native, coastal and contemporary gardens.