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(Dianella nigra)
New Zealand Flax Lily (Dianella nigra)
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Jacqui Geux
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jacqui Geux
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jacqui Geux | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jacqui Geux | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-02-21T15:55:42-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dianella nigra, commonly known as New Zealand Flax Lily or Turutu, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the forest margins and open areas of New Zealand, including coastal regions and subalpine zones. It typically grows to a height of 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm) with a similar spread, featuring strappy, green leaves and small, star-shaped purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by bright blue berries that are attractive to birds. The berries are bitter and potentially toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities.
Dianella nigra is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance once established, and its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, making it a versatile choice for ground cover, border planting, or as an accent in mixed beds. It is also used in restoration projects and for erosion control due to its hardy nature. While it prefers well-drained soils, it can adapt to different soil types. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread via rhizomes and may require control in small garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0
Dianella nigra is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance once established, and its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, making it a versatile choice for ground cover, border planting, or as an accent in mixed beds. It is also used in restoration projects and for erosion control due to its hardy nature. While it prefers well-drained soils, it can adapt to different soil types. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread via rhizomes and may require control in small garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the forest margins and open areas, coastal regions, and subalpine zones of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Inkberry, Blueberry
Scientific Names: , Dianella nigra, Dianella intermedia var. norfolkensis, Dianella reflexa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Dianella nigra Colenso