Botanical name:

Austrostipa stipoides

Common name(s):

Estuary needle grass, coastal immorality grass, buggar grass

About:

A species of tussock grass indigenous to New Zealand's coastlines, it develops sizeable clumps reaching approximately 80cm in height. The leaves are smooth and in-rolled, measuring up to 70cm in length and 1 mm in width, featuring sharp tips. This grass is frequently utilised in landscaping and for controlling sand erosion.

Natural habitat:

It is found on sea cliffs, the edges of beach dunes and salt marshes and tolerates strong winds and sea spray.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island, from Te Paki to about Taranaki and Ohiwa Harbour, thence absent until the Cook Strait. In The South Island found in Nelson only.

Height: 80cm

Flowering: 

Spring & Summer with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or division of hole plants.

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