Hakonechloa macra, Hakone grass
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Grasses & Grass-like

Hakonechloa macra

Hakone grass

PoaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypeGrass
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Width18–24 inches (45–60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Hakonechloa macra, commonly called Hakone grass or Japanese forest grass, is the sole species in its genus — a graceful, slow-spreading, warm-season bunchgrass in the family Poaceae endemic to rocky, moist cliff faces and steep woodland slopes on the island of Honshu, Japan, particularly around the Hakone mountain region. In cultivation, it forms dense, cascading mounds of slender, arching, bamboo-like leaves 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall that flow in one direction like a waterfall, creating an effect unlike any other ornamental grass. The plain species has bright green leaves; the widely grown cultivar 'Aureola' features striking gold and green variegation, while 'All Gold' is entirely golden-yellow. Autumn brings warm tones of gold, copper, and pink as the foliage colors before dying back. In late summer, delicate open panicles of pale green-to-tan spikelets are produced, adding a fine textural element. Hakonechloa macra is one of the most popular and versatile ornamental grasses for shaded gardens and is a Great Plant Pick for the Pacific Northwest.

Native Range

Endemic to steep, moist, rocky slopes and cliff faces in montane woodland on the island of Honshu, Japan, particularly the Hakone, Tanzawa, and Nikko mountain regions. The species grows in humid, cool conditions with consistent moisture and good drainage on rocky substrates, often in partial shade. Not native to North America; widely cultivated in temperate gardens worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Hakone grass is one of the finest ornamental grasses for shaded gardens in the Pacific Northwest, providing months of graceful cascading foliage texture in positions where most grasses fail. Particularly effective cascading over the edges of raised beds, retaining walls, and containers, or as a groundcover in lightly shaded borders. Pairs beautifully with Hosta, Astilbe, Epimedium, Pulmonaria, and ferns in shade garden plantings. The autumn foliage color is a seasonal highlight. The golden-variegated cultivar 'Aureola' brightens dark corners and is among the most awarded ornamental grasses for shaded gardens. A Great Plant Pick for the Pacific Northwest.

How to Identify

Hakone grass is identified by its graceful, dense mounds of slender, arching, bright green (or variegated) leaves 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long that cascade uniformly in one direction, creating a distinctive waterfall or layered fan shape. The leaf texture is finer than most grasses, resembling miniature bamboo. In late summer, open panicles of pale spikelets rise above the foliage. Autumn foliage turns warm shades of gold, copper, pink, and red before the plant goes dormant. The cascading, fan-shaped mound habit and fine bamboo-like foliage are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

tan
green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

gold
orange
pink
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SummerFall
Hakonechloa macra produces delicate open panicles of pale green to tan spikelets in late summer to early autumn, typically August through September in Pacific Northwest gardens. The flowering is subtle and not the primary ornamental feature — the primary display is the cascading foliage through spring and summer, and the warm gold, copper, and pink autumn color in October and November before dormancy. The plant is dormant through winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale green to tan spikelets

Foliage Description

Bright green, slender, arching, bamboo-like (or gold/variegated in cultivars)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 1-5 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant Hakone grass in partial shade to light shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is important throughout the growing season — the species is intolerant of drought and performs poorly in dry soils. In Pacific Northwest gardens, afternoon shade is beneficial in hot summers. Variegated and golden cultivars develop their best color in bright indirect light; too much deep shade dulls the coloration. Cut the entire plant back to 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Top-dress with compost in spring. The species is a warm-season grass and is slow to emerge in spring — do not mistake late emergence for failure. Divide congested clumps every three to five years in spring.

Pruning

Cut the entire clump back to 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in late winter or early spring (February–March) before new growth begins, removing the previous season's dead or tan foliage. This annual cutback produces the freshest, most vigorous cascading growth. No other pruning is needed. Divide congested clumps in early spring every three to five years by digging and splitting with a sharp spade; replant divisions immediately and water well.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic