South Island toetoe

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.