Family

Poaceae

Description

Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) is a graceful, slow-spreading ornamental grass valued for its arching habit and ability to thrive in shade—an unusual trait among grasses. Its fine-textured foliage forms cascading mounds that move with the slightest breeze, bringing softness and motion to woodland edges, path borders, or container displays. Cultivars vary in color, ranging from solid green to golden-striped or chartreuse.

 

Native to the cool, moist forests of central Japan, H. macra prefers rich, consistently moist soil in part shade, though some forms tolerate more sun in cooler climates. It is deciduous and turns warm shades of gold and copper in autumn before dying back to the ground for winter. Unlike many grasses, it spreads gently and is well-behaved in garden settings.

Bloom Time

Late summer (ornamental rather than showy)