Mid-ribbed Snow Tussock

Botanical name: Chionochloa pallens subsp. pallens
Synonyms: None known
Common name(s): Mid-ribbed Snow Tussock

About:
A graceful snow tussock endemic to New Zealand, recognised by its pale green foliage, prominent leaf midrib and delicate pink-tinged flower heads. It forms large evergreen tussocks that add texture and movement to mountain landscapes and native gardens. This species is widespread and variable, ranging from compact alpine forms to larger lowland plants.

Natural habitat:
Montane to alpine grasslands, herbfields, open shrublands and rocky slopes. Occasionally found in damp upland habitats.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun and moist, free-draining soils. Tolerates frost, wind and snow, but dislikes prolonged drought and humid conditions. Best suited to cooler climates and open sites.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found naturally in both the North and South Islands.

Height:
0.8–1.5 m

Width:
0.6–1.2 m

Flowering:
Summer

Fruiting:
Late summer to autumn

Uses:
• Native grassland plantings
• Alpine and subalpine gardens
• Feature tussock in large landscapes
• Restoration projects
• Erosion control
• Wildlife habitat

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A stout to tall evergreen tussock forming dense clumps of arching foliage with upright flowering stems.

Leaves:
Leaves are pale green to yellow-green, flat to U-shaped or slightly rolled inward, with a prominent central keel or midrib. Margins are often hairy near the base and finely rough toward the tips.

Flowers:
Produces open flower panicles with pink-tinged to pale purple spikelets, giving the plant a soft rosy appearance when in bloom. Flowering stems may reach up to 1 m tall.

Fruit:
Small wind-dispersed seeds develop within the flowering panicles and are shed during late summer and autumn.

Ecology:
Florets are dispersed by wind. Dense tussocks provide shelter for insects and small animals and contribute to soil stability in alpine and montane environments. Classified as a facultative upland species, it occasionally occurs in damp habitats but is usually found on well-drained sites.

Associated habitats:
Snow tussock grasslands, alpine herbfields, rocky slopes, montane shrublands and upland wetlands.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun in moist but free-draining soil. Water regularly while establishing and avoid hot, humid sites. Mature plants are hardy and require little maintenance beyond removing dead foliage if desired.

Propagation:
Usually grown from fresh seed, which germinates readily under cool conditions. Established plants can also be divided, although seed propagation is generally preferred.

Cultural use:
An important component of New Zealand’s native snow tussock grasslands and upland ecosystems, contributing to the character of mountain landscapes throughout the country.

Garden value:
A beautiful and elegant tussock valued for its pale foliage and pink-flushed flower heads. Ideal for alpine gardens, naturalistic plantings and large native landscapes where its graceful form can be fully appreciated.