Chionochloa Conspicua

Chionochloa conspicua

Common Names: Snow Grass, Plume Grass, Silver Tussock
Family: Poaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen Tussock Grass

Overview:

Chionochloa conspicua is a bold, upright New Zealand native grass known for its elegant arching form and striking flower plumes. With its cascading, fine-textured foliage and tall, silvery flower spikes, this snow grass adds movement, contrast, and vertical drama to both native and contemporary landscapes. Ideal for mass planting, feature spots, or erosion control on banks and slopes.

Key Features:

Foliage: Narrow, arching leaves in tones of green to grey-green. Fine in texture and evergreen, forming graceful, fountain-like clumps that catch light and wind beautifully.

Flowers / Fruit: Tall, feathery flower plumes emerge in late spring to summer, held well above the foliage on slender stems. These seed heads have a silvery-golden shimmer and persist into autumn, adding long-season interest.

Form & Habit: Large, upright tussock forming a rounded base with arching foliage and tall vertical flower stems. Natural and architectural in style.

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast once established

Cultural & Ecological Value: Provides shelter for insects and birds; ideal in native restoration projects and ecologically sensitive areas. Useful for slope stabilisation and bank planting.

Mature Size:

Ideal Growing Conditions:

Landscaping & Garden Uses:

• Mass Planting & Groundcover: Excellent on slopes, banks, and large spaces

• Feature Grass / Architectural Accent: Ideal as a bold statement in native or contemporary gardens

• Restoration & Native Planting: Ecological value and low maintenance

• Coastal & Windy Sites: Performs well in exposed conditions

• Texture & Contrast: Pair with flaxes, hebes, or dark-leafed shrubs for dynamic plant combinations

Care & Maintenance:

Pruning: Cut back old flower stalks in late autumn or winter to tidy up the plant. Avoid cutting foliage unless very untidy; individual old leaves can be pulled or trimmed.

Watering: Water regularly while establishing (first 1–2 seasons). Tolerates dry periods once mature.

Feeding: Apply a light dressing of general-purpose fertiliser in early spring. Not a heavy feeder.

Pests & Diseases: Very low maintenance; rarely affected by pests or disease.

Additional Tips: Space well apart when mass planting to allow for mature spread. Best form achieved in full sun and well-drained soils.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:

The genus Chionochloa includes several native New Zealand snow grasses, often found in alpine and coastal regions. Chionochloa conspicua is especially valued for its architectural plumes, making it a popular alternative to exotic grasses in sustainable garden designs.

Why Choose Chionochloa conspicua?

With its elegant form, dramatic flowering, and low-maintenance nature, Chionochloa conspicua is a top choice for gardeners and landscapers wanting to bring a native New Zealand aesthetic into their spaces. Whether used in mass for textural impact or as a single specimen, it delivers year-round beauty and resilience.

Pot Size:

These are XL size in 1.5 llitre round pots.