Anemanthele lessoniana (Stipa arundinacea)
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Common NameNew Zealand Wind Grass; Pheasant's Tail Grass
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CA NativeNon-native
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Plant TypeGrass or grass-like plant
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Size3' x 3'
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Flower ColorN / A
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Bloom Time
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Constant
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LeavesN / A
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EvergreenEvergreen
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Deer ResistantRarely Damaged
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Wildlife ValueN / A
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Growth RateFast
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HardinessHardy
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Adverse Growth FactorsNone
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Special Features
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Erosion Control
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Fall Color
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Low Maintenance
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Water Use
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Drought Tolerant
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Soil pH6.5-7.5 (neutral)
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Exposure
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Full Sun
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Partial Shade
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Shade
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Soil TypeNot Particular
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DrainageWell Drained
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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."
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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.
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Varietals
'Autumn Tints' - leaves orange/red in late summer
'Gold Hue' - leaves golden yellow in late summer