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Plant Guide

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Anemanthele lessoniana (Stipa arundinacea)

  • Common Name
    New Zealand Wind Grass; Pheasant's Tail Grass
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Grass or grass-like plant
  • Size
    3' x 3'
  • Flower Color
    N / A
  • Bloom Time
    • Constant
  • Leaves
    N / A
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
  • Deer Resistant
    Rarely Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    N / A
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    None
  • Special Features
    • Erosion Control
    • Fall Color
    • Low Maintenance
  • Water Use
    • Drought Tolerant
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    • Full Sun
    • Partial Shade
    • Shade
  • Soil Type
    Not Particular
  • Drainage
    Well Drained
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    This is a gorgeous, always colorful dense and arching plant whose foliage makes a great accent or beautiful backdrop.  Creating a large (3' x 3') graceful mound that moves in any breeze, adding energy and dynamism to the landscape.  If grown in shade, foliage is deep green but in sun will have olive, gold or amber tones.  Has rosy seedheads in summer and moves into a lovely bronze color in the fall.  From "down under."

  • Master Gardener Comments

    Wind grass is self-sowing but has not been found to be invasive.  Most easily grown from seed.  Difficult to divide but can be divided in early spring.  This is a beautiful plant for massing on dry hillsides for erosion control  or for its beauty in your garden.  Beloved by designers in Australia and England and translated well here in California.  Good in pots.

  • Varietals

    'Autumn Tints' - leaves orange/red in late summer

    'Gold Hue' - leaves golden yellow in late summer