Mountain Astelia

Botanical name: Astelia nervosa
Synonyms: Astelia nervosa var. montana, Astelia montana, Astelia cockaynei
Common name(s): Mountain Astelia, Bush Flax

About:
A robust upland astelia endemic to New Zealand, forming large colonies of arching leathery foliage. This striking species is recognised for its grey-green leaves, reddish-brown flowers, orange berries, and distinctive zigzag leaf markings caused by the larvae of the Astelia zigzag moth.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally in upland forest, subalpine scrub, montane shrubland, damp herbfields, and low alpine environments.

Growing environment:
Full sun to partial shade, Moist soils, Humus-rich soils & Cool climates.
Thrives in consistently moist free-draining soils and areas with regular rainfall or mist.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand.
Mainly found throughout the South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura. Similar North Island plants may represent an undescribed taxon.

Height:
Approximately 0.7–1.8 m tall

Width:
Forms large spreading colonies over time.

Flowering:
Spring to early summer
Produces reddish-brown flowers from October to December.

Fruiting:
Late summer to autumn
Orange berries mature from February to May.

Uses:

• Native forest planting
• Alpine and montane landscaping
• Moist woodland gardens
• Architectural foliage planting
• Bird habitat creation
• Large-scale native landscapes

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A robust upright clump-forming perennial often forming extensive colonies.

Leaves:
Long arching leathery leaves, grey-green to silver-green, strongly keeled near the base. Leaf undersides frequently show zigzag feeding tracks from Astelia zigzag moth larvae.

Flowers:
Flowers are light brown to reddish-pink and carried on upright branched inflorescences.

Fruit:
Produces orange fleshy berries attractive to native birds and lizards.

Ecology:
An important upland forest and montane species providing food resources and shelter for native fauna. Berries are dispersed by birds through frugivory.

Associated wildlife:
Frequently associated with tūī, kererū, pekapeka / lesser short-tailed bats, honey bees, and native forest insects.

How to grow:
Best planted in cool moist conditions with rich humus-filled soil. Performs well in woodland gardens, moist shaded borders, and upland native plantings.

Propagation:
Can be propagated from fresh seed or by division of established clumps.

Garden value:
A bold and highly architectural native foliage plant valued for its graceful silver-green leaves, colourful fruit, and adaptability to cool moist gardens. Particularly effective in forest-style plantings and large native landscapes.