wī kura

Chionochloa rigida subsp. rigida | wī kura, narrow-leaved snow tussock

 

A tough, fine-textured grass forming dense, graceful mounds of tawny-green foliage. Narrow, upright leaves provide year-round structure, while airy panicles rise above the foliage in mid to late summer. It thrives in full sun and free-draining soils, performing well in exposed, coastal, and high-country environments. Drought- and frost-tolerant once established, it is ideal for low-care, water-wise landscapes and makes a striking feature when mass-planted, adding movement, texture, and seasonal change to both native and contemporary garden settings.

tussock grasslands

wet

moist

full sun

partial shade

height | 1m

width | 1m

flowering | December - February

fruiting |  February - April

The members of this genus are collectively known as “snow tussocks”, an especially appropriate name as Chionochloa is derived from Greek words meaning “snow” and “new spring growth”. Although some species naturally occur in areas that rarely receive snow, the greatest diversity of Chionochloa is found across the South Island and the montane regions of the North Island, where snow is a regular feature. These grasses are characteristic of open habitats such as tussocklands and shrublands above the treeline, as well as cliffs and bogs. Their range expanded historically with the opening up of landscapes, though more intensive farming practices have since reduced their presence in many modified environments.