Botanical name:

Poa cita

Common name(s):

Silver Tussock, wī

About:

These tussocks showcase a striking silvery-green foliage and possess taller, feathery seed heads compared to the Poa Astonii variety. They thrive remarkably well in exposed conditions, exhibiting resilience against heavy winds, frost, and salt spray. This plant is not only easy to grow but also incredibly hardy, making it an excellent pioneer species for various environments. It is extensively utilised throughout the Canterbury region and the Banks Peninsula, frequently seen in mass plantings and various council landscaping projects, celebrated for its rustic beauty and aesthetic appeal.

Natural habitat:

Preferring a full sun you will often found P. Cita in dry woodland and grassland plant communities.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

found throughout most of New Zealand, from the Kermadec Islands to Stewart Island / Rakiura and out to the Chatham Islands, but not known from Raglan to Manawatū in the west of the North Island, except on Mount Taranaki.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

November – February

Fruiting:

December - March

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or division of root stock.

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