Botanical name:

Poa anceps

Common name(s):

Broad-leaved poa

About:

A tufted grass species that typically grows to about 50cm in height, it features flat green leaves and can produce open flowering panicles that reach up to 70cm tall. This grass is known to be quite variable, and, on occasion, the leaves may exhibit a bluish coloration, adding an interesting visual aspect. It is commonly found in the North Island; however, it is less prevalent in the South Island. This resilient grass grows well in a variety of conditions and is capable of tolerating some degree of dryness, making it adaptable to different environments.

Natural habitat:

Coastal, lowland to subalpine. On coastal and inland cliffs, on rock falls, in open forest, scrub and grassland

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North and South Islands (north and western coasts as far south as George Sound, on Banks Peninsula in the east)

Height: 50cm

Flowering:

September - December

Fruiting:

November – May

Uses:

Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and rooted pieces. An excellent grass that deserves to be more widely cultivated. Poa anceps is a very variable species and would repay some critical horticultural selection. It is best grown in full sun, and is excellent on banks where it can trail down slope. This species is tolerant of a wide range of conditions.

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