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Overview
Hakonechloa macra is Hakone grass (Japanese forest grass), the sole species in its genus — a warm-season deciduous bunchgrass growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Dense cascading mounds of slender arching bamboo-like leaves 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) that flow in one direction, creating a waterfall-like effect. The species type has bright green foliage; the cultivar 'Aureola' has gold-and-green variegated leaves; 'All Gold' is entirely golden-yellow. Delicate open panicles of pale green to tan spikelets in late summer to early fall. Fall foliage turns warm gold, copper, pink, and red. Endemic to steep moist rocky slopes and cliff faces on Honshu, Japan, in the Hakone, Tanzawa, and Nikko mountain regions. Warm-season grass — slow to emerge in spring (growth begins when soil temperatures reach 60°F / 15°C); do not mistake the late emergence for plant death. Intolerant of drought — requires consistent moisture. Afternoon shade in hot climates. Variegated and golden cultivars develop the most vivid color in bright indirect light; deep shade dulls the gold tones. Cut the entire clump to 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in late winter before new growth. Divide congested clumps every 3–5 years in spring. Slow-spreading by short rhizomes — not aggressive. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–9. Growth rate is slow.
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.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders and containers in zones 4–9. The cascading mounds drape over raised bed edges, retaining walls, and container rims. Companion to Hosta, Astilbe, Epimedium, and ferns. 'Aureola' (gold-variegated) for brightening shaded areas. Not drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Late summer to early fall (August–September). Delicate open panicles of pale spikelets above the foliage. The cascading foliage (spring–summer) and the warm fall color (October–November) — not the spikelets — are the primary seasonal features. Dormant through winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale green to tan spikelets in open paniclesFoliage Description
Bright green, slender, arching, bamboo-like, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm); 'Aureola' is gold-and-green variegated; 'All Gold' is entirely golden-yellowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to light shade. Consistent moisture — intolerant of drought. Afternoon shade in hot climates. Variegated cultivars develop vivid color in bright indirect light. Warm-season: slow to emerge in spring. Cut to 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in late winter. Divide every 3–5 years. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–9.Pruning
Cut the entire clump to 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in late winter or early spring (February–March) before new growth begins. This annual cutback removes previous-season dead foliage. Divide congested clumps every 3–5 years by digging and splitting in spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons