Botanical name:

Festuca novae- zelandiae 

Common name(s):

Fescue tussock, hard tussock

About:

Festuca novae-zelandiae is a perennial grass that grows in dense tufts and is native to New Zealand. This species is frequently found in low tussock grasslands across the dry, windy, and cold central plains. It typically reaches a height of 70 cm and can spread up to 0.4 m. The leaves are tawny, measuring 15-60 cm in length and 0.5-1 mm in width. They have a rough texture and feature sharply pointed tips, with tightly rolled margins that create a cylindrical appearance. The flowering stems can also grow to 70 cm tall and bear a flowering panicle that ranges from 5 to 12 cm in length. This grass is evergreen, resilient, and serves as an excellent species for revegetation efforts.

Natural habitat: 

A common component of low tussock grasslands on dry, windy and cold plains.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Coastal & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Canterbury & Otago in the South Island of New Zealand.

Height: 70cm

Flowering:   

Fruiting:

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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