Botanical name:

Austroderia richardii

Common name(s):

Cortaderia richardii, Toetoe

About:

An attractive, fast-growing green tussock that features beautiful cream plumes during the summer and autumn months. This native New Zealand toetoe is commonly utilised in various landscaping projects, particularly in native settings, to enhance the natural beauty of the area. It is also ideal for use in regeneration efforts, along roadsides, or as a source of low shelter for wildlife and outdoor spaces.

Natural habitat:

Abundant, from the coast to subalpine areas. Common along stream banks, river beds, around lake margins, and in other wet places. Also found in sand dunes, especially along the Foveaux Strait.

Growing environment:

Drought, Salt, Coastal, Wetland & Wind tolerant

Endemic distribution:

Confined to the South Island. Possibly in the North Island, east of Cape Palliser. Naturalised in Tasmania.

Height: 3m

Flowering:

September – November with a cream coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - March

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Shelter belts.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed (as a revegetation exercise ripe seed heads can be pinned to soil surface, and if kept damp, soon germinate) and division of established plants.

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