South Island toetoe
about.
Austroderia richardii | South Island toetoe, toetoe
This large, fast-growing coarse green tussock is a striking and versatile New Zealand native grass. It's an excellent choice for revegetation and erosion control, and provides useful low shelter in both wet and dry conditions. It produces attractive creamy-white flower heads rising above its arching green foliage. These feathery plumes create a bold, textural statement in the landscape when they form a commanding clump with dramatic seasonal presence. This hardy species thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's highly tolerant of wind, salt spray, and dry periods once established, making it ideal for native gardens, large-scale plantings, coastal, and exposed sites. Space plants 1.5–2m apart to allow their full form to develop.
typical habitat.
coastal scrub
coastal forest
subalpine scrub
dune forest
dunes
streamsides
wetland
lake margin
drainage.
dry
free draining
well drained
moist
wet
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 2m
width | 2m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | September–November
fruiting | October–March
did you know?
On farms, toetoe (Austroderia richardii) makes an excellent, hardy windbreak once established, forming dense clumps that withstand various weather conditions. It provides shelter for livestock, stays below pivot irrigation, and is useful for runoff prevention and along watercourses. Toetoe is also an attractive plant for bank stabilsation, adapts to a range of soils, and is well-suited for riparian plantings.