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Dracophyllum spp.
grass tree
Australasia and the southwestern Pacific
Overview
Dracophyllum spp. is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the heath family, Ericaceae, native to Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and the southwestern Pacific. Plants range from low cushion shrubs a few centimetres high to slender trees 10 m (33 ft) tall, and the common name grass tree reflects the tufts of long, narrow, grass-like leaves crowded at the branch tips. The stiff, channelled leaves are 2-60 cm (0.8-24 in) long depending on species, often with finely toothed margins, and many turn bronze or reddish in cold or exposed sites. Small tubular to bell-shaped flowers 3-8 mm (0.1-0.3 in) long are carried in terminal or axillary spikes, usually white, cream, or pink. Flowering is mainly in spring and summer. The genus grows in heath, bog margins, subalpine scrub, and montane forest, often on poor, acidic, peaty soils, and most species are slow-growing. In cultivation it is grown in cool, moist, acidic conditions and grows poorly in heat and limey soils.
Native Range
Native to Australia (including Tasmania), New Zealand, New Caledonia, and the southwestern Pacific. Plants grow in heathland, bog margins, subalpine scrub, and montane forest, often on poor, acidic, peaty soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in cool-climate rock gardens, peat beds, woodland edges, and native plant collections. Lower cushion species suit alpine troughs and containers, while taller species are used as feature shrubs in moist, acidic gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 33'
Width/Spread1' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowering is mainly in spring and summer, with small white, cream, or pink tubular flowers borne in terminal or axillary spikes. Bloom is often sparse on young plants and heavier on mature specimens. The flowers carry nectar that draws insects and, in New Zealand, nectar-feeding birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pinkFoliage Description
green, bronzing to reddish in coldGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in cool, moist, free-draining acidic soil high in organic matter. Most species need steady moisture and cool root runs, and grow poorly in heat, drought, and limey soils. Many are frost-hardy, with alpine species tolerating snow, while lowland species are more tender. Growth is slow, and plants are slow to re-establish after transplanting. A mulch of leaf litter or bark keeps roots cool and holds moisture.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead or damaged branches. Light tip pruning of young plants encourages branching, since old wood resprouts slowly or not at all. Spent flower spikes are removed once they fade.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons