red tussock
Chionochloa rubra | red tussock
A large, distinctive tussock with fine, red-tinged foliage that creates a striking feature in open, windswept landscapes. Its flowing form and copper hues lend texture and movement, particularly in cooler climates. Thriving in damp and low-fertility soils, it performs best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of conditions, from wet to dry. From February to April, attractive seedheads rise above the foliage, adding seasonal interest. Evergreen and hardy, this resilient grass offering year-round structure with minimal maintenance.
typical habitat.
subalpine scrub
tussock grasslands
streamsides
drainage.
wet
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 1.2m
width | 1m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October–December
fruiting | November–May
did you know?
A keystone of New Zealand’s high-country grasslands, red tussock stabilises slopes, reduces erosion, and supports alpine hydrology by trapping snow and moisture. It also provides important shelter for native birds. Today, it is mostly found in cool, high-rainfall regions of the South Island.