Hakone Grass

Golden Hakone Grass

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola:’ Golden Hakone Grass

Location near campus: in large ornamental grass bed south of the butterfly garden, toward the eastern side of Close Park at the Botanical Center.

• warm-season grass (probably) with short, wide leaf blades that are striped with bright yellow and green
• leaves grow 12-18 inches tall and spread 18-24 inches wide; flowers not showy
• leaves tend to grow to one side only, rather than in more fountain-like mound
• produces rhizomes, but lateral spread is quite slow
• prefers part shade, cooler conditions, moist, well-drained soils
• used as a groundcover or edging
• was 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year