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(Aciphylla subflabellata)
Speargrass (Aciphylla subflabellata)
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Leon Perrie
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Leon Perrie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Leon Perrie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Leon Perrie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-02-10T04:12:55Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aciphylla subflabellata, commonly known as Speargrass, is an evergreen perennial herb, that is native to the alpine and subalpine zones of Southern New Zealand, where it thrives in tussock grasslands and rocky areas. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a clump of rigid, spiny foliage that can be quite striking. The leaves are long and narrow, ending in sharp points, and the plant produces yellow, star-shaped flowers in the summer, which are small but numerous, creating a showy display atop tall, slender stalks.
Speargrass is valued for its unique architectural form and its ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for rock gardens, alpine collections, and as a textural contrast in drought-tolerant landscapes. It is also used in native plantings to recreate its natural habitat. This plant requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water needs once established, and prefers well-drained soils. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but its spiny foliage can make handling difficult, so care should be taken when planting or maintaining.CC BY-SA 4.0
Speargrass is valued for its unique architectural form and its ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for rock gardens, alpine collections, and as a textural contrast in drought-tolerant landscapes. It is also used in native plantings to recreate its natural habitat. This plant requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water needs once established, and prefers well-drained soils. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but its spiny foliage can make handling difficult, so care should be taken when planting or maintaining.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Alpine and subalpine zones, tussock grasslands, and rocky areas
Other Names
Common Names: The Spaniard
Scientific Names: , Aciphylla subflabellata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Aciphylla subflabellata W.R.B.Oliv.