Kingdom Plantae Family Poaceae Scientific name Hakonechloa macra Rank Species | Order Poales Subfamily Arundinoideae Higher classification Hakonechloa | |
 | ||
Genus Hakonechloa
Makino ex Honda Similar Grasses, Calamagrostis, Fountaingrasses, Miscanthus, Molinia | ||
Hakonechloa macra aureola variegated japanese forest grass
Hakonechloa macra (Japanese forest grass, Hakone grass) is a species of flowering plant in the family Poaceae, subfamily Arundinoideae, native to Japan. It is the only known species in the genus Hakonechloa.
Contents
The various cultivars of Hakonechloa macra are used as foliage plants in gardens in temperate climates.
Hakonechloa macra aureola variegated japanese forest grass
Description
It is a small, mostly shade-loving, clump-forming, slowly spreading plant. The stalks cascade in a graceful rounded fountain shape somewhat reminiscent of Pennisetum (fountain grass) but with the actual foliage resembling Chasmanthium (The flowers are NOT similar). These grasses are notable for their texture and their colors as well as their general ease of maintenance. The leaves are thin and papery and resemble many forms of bamboo. They are very flexible and have a distinctive rustling sound when the wind blows that adds to their appeal. The foliage rises from the roots on thin wiry stalks, and the flowers bloom in midsummer from leaf nodes near the ends of the stalks. The flowers are light purple fading to tan then dropping off over the course of several weeks. The leaf blades are green but many color variations exist. The papery texture keeps the foliage cool to the touch and often the surface is slightly puckered or rippled. The cultivars may be boldly variegated in stripes of white, green, or yellow, or have solid colored leaves. Some cultivars tend to turn orange or red in colder weather. The species tends to be between 45 cm and 60 cm (18" to 24") with cultivars often growing significantly shorter. The height may be somewhat dependent on soil moisture, nutrients, and length of growing season, though the plant is tough enough to survive in USDA Zone 5 (-20 °F). It prefers even moisture and average humidity but can tolerate minor dry spells, and arid climates with minimal damage.
Cultivars
It is mainly used as an ornamental grass in Japanese style gardens, or to brighten shady areas of the garden. The graceful form tends to soften formal shady areas as well. Solid green leaves are the hallmark of the species. The green form is the fastest grower and tends to be slightly larger than most cultivars, and is mildly sun tolerant though it may burn if not given adequate shade. The foliage tends to be deep bright green and may have orange, red or purple tones to some degree in the fall.
Propagation
Hakonechloa can be easily propagated by division. The rootball has many stalks coming up from a dense rhizomatous cluster of roots. Apparent on the rhizome are small buds that look like thorns. These are new shoots and with care they can be removed from the root cluster with a small segment of rhizome taking care to include connected roots. When planted and properly cared for, the grass will root and spread to form a clonal selection of the grass. Horticultural tissue culture may also be utilized by propagators with the appropriate equipment.