Botanical name:

Chionochloa rigida

Common name(s):

Narrow leaved Snow Tussock, wī kura

About:

A snow tussock is characterised by its narrow tawny green to yellow leaves, which tend to dry out at the tips, contributing to its overall golden appearance. The plant produces elegant flowers atop 1.5m stems from December through February, making it visually appealing during the summer months. This hardy species is well-suited for landscaping large areas, as it thrives in a variety of conditions, including cold, dry, and hot alpine environments. Its resilience and aesthetic qualities make it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

Natural habitat:

Prefers drier soils in montane to low alpine zones, but is known to descend to sea level in Otago

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Found throughout the lower half of the South Island, from Banks Peninsula and east of the Southern Alps through to Southland.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

December – February

Fruiting:

February – April

Uses:

Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though