Botanical name:

Chionochloa pallens

Common name(s):

Mid-ribbed snow tussock

About:

A tall tussock, capable of reaching heights up to 1m, features pale green leaves and straw-coloured open flowering panicles. This species thrives in alpine grassland environments, extending its range from the Raukumara Range in the North Island down to the Nelson-Marlborough region in the South Island. Optimal growth conditions include well-drained moist soil situated in an open area, making it well-suited for specific ecological niches within its geographic range.

Natural habitat:

Commonly found in the penalpine zone (from 1100m), though they can extend up to elevations of 1800m. They occur at open, moist, well-drained sites.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & South Islands. West of the Main Divide in the South Island, and on the axial ranges between the Manawatu Gorge and East Cape in the North Island, including Mt Hikurangi and Mt Taranaki.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October – December

Fruiting:

November – April

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Grown from fresh seed or by division. Plants dislike drying out and will not tolerate drought or long periods of humidity. Very slow growing.

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