Botanical name:

Anthoxanthum redolens (Hierochloe redolens)

Common name(s):

Scented holy grass, karetu

About:

This grass is common in wet grasslands and scrub throughout New Zealand. It forms clumps reaching 45–90cm tall, with flat, bright green blades on long red stems, creating a striking contrast. As the leaves dry, they release a pleasant fragrance. In summer, open yellowish-brown flowering panicles appear on stalks up to 1.3m tall. It thrives in moist soil and prefers a position in sun or light shade.

Natural habitat:

In tussock grassland.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand’s North (uncommon north of Rotorua), South and Chatham Islands. Also on the Three Kings Islands. Indigenous to Australia, New Guinea and South America

Height: 90cm

Flowering:

Spring with a yellowish brown coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Summer

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Can be grown from fresh seed but best results are achieved by division

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.