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(Anemanthele lessoniana)
Gossamer Grass (Anemanthele lessoniana)
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John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-11-18T13:57:59-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Anemanthele lessoniana, commonly known as Gossamer Grass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to the tussock grasslands and open, rocky places of New Zealand. It is considered naturally rare in its native habitat but has gained popularity in cultivation due to its ornamental appeal. Typically, it reaches up to 3 feet in height and width, forming a graceful, arching mound of narrow, green leaves that take on striking orange, copper, and gold tones in drier conditions or as the weather cools. The plant produces airy, delicate flower panicles that add texture to the garden in summer. Gossamer Grass is particularly noted for its movement in the breeze and its ability to catch the light, creating a shimmering effect.
Gossamer Grass is valued for its low maintenance and its ability to provide year-round interest in the garden, especially with its colorful foliage in autumn. It is used in a variety of settings, including urban gardens, borders, and as a specimen plant in mixed grass plantings. While it is evergreen in milder climates, it may become deciduous or semi-evergreen in colder areas (marginal in zone 8), going dormant in harsh winters. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and prefers well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring only medium to low amounts of water. This grass has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. However, it can self-seed and become somewhat invasive in favorable conditions, so gardeners should monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Gossamer Grass is valued for its low maintenance and its ability to provide year-round interest in the garden, especially with its colorful foliage in autumn. It is used in a variety of settings, including urban gardens, borders, and as a specimen plant in mixed grass plantings. While it is evergreen in milder climates, it may become deciduous or semi-evergreen in colder areas (marginal in zone 8), going dormant in harsh winters. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and prefers well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring only medium to low amounts of water. This grass has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. However, it can self-seed and become somewhat invasive in favorable conditions, so gardeners should monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Tussock grasslands and open, rocky places in New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: New Zealand Wind Grass, Pheasant’s Tail Grass, Fasanfjädergräs
Scientific Names: , Anemanthele lessoniana, Stipa arundinacea, Apera arundinacea, Agrostis lessoniana, Oryzopsis lessoniana, Agrostis procera, Apera purpurascens, Dichelachne procera, Dichelachne rigida
GBIF Accepted Name: Anemanthele lessoniana (Steud.) Veldkamp