Botanical name:

Aciphylla aurea

Common name(s):

Golden Spaniard, Golden Speargrass

About:

This hardy native speargrass forms a dense clump of rigid yellow-green leaves, topped with a striking golden flower stalk that can reach up to 1m tall. Well-suited for rocky areas, grasslands, and tussock landscapes, it makes an interesting addition to any garden. Withstanding temperatures as low as -17°C, it is also commonly used as a natural boundary deterrent.

Natural habitat:

Montane to low alpine well-drained or arid sites including rocky areas, dry grassland and tussock grassland from 300-1500m.

Growing environment:

Frost, drought, salt & wind tolerant

Endemic distribution:

Found mainly throughout the east coast of South Island (Marlborough- Nelson to Northern Southland) in low to medium alpine regions at roughly 300–1,500 m above sea level.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

November-December with a cream or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – February

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

 ** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though