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Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
Japanese Forest Grass
Japan (Honshu — the Hakone region and surrounding mountains)
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Overview
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' is the golden Japanese forest grass (Hakone grass), a deciduous ornamental grass growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Bright golden-yellow arching cascading blades with narrow green stripes — the golden color brightens shaded positions and turns pink-red to burgundy in fall. Monotypic: Hakonechloa contains only this one species. Named after the Hakone region of Honshu, Japan, where the species grows on moist rocky cliffs. In the grass family (Poaceae). The cascading arching habit creates a flowing waterfall-like effect — the blades cascade in one direction from the clump. Pale green inconspicuous flower panicles in late summer. Slow to establish: 3–5 years to form a full clump (slow-spreading by short rhizomes). The golden variegation intensifies with more light — partial shade is the balance point between vivid gold and leaf scorch (direct afternoon sun causes brown dry leaf tips). The 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year (Perennial Plant Association). Consistent moisture — the leaf tips brown in drought. Deciduous: cut the dead foliage to the ground in early spring. The species type has plain green foliage; 'All Gold' is entirely golden (no green stripes). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Partial shade. Zones 5–9. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to Japan — Honshu (the Hakone region and surrounding mountains), growing on moist rocky cliffs and mountain forest slopes. Monotypic genus.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders, at water features, in containers, and cascading over walls in zones 5–9. The golden cascading foliage brightens shade. Slow to establish. Consistent moisture required. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Late summer (August–September) — inconspicuous pale green panicles. The golden cascading foliage (spring–summer) and the pink-red fall color are the seasonal features.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale green, inconspicuous, delicate open panicles in late summerFoliage Description
Bright golden-yellow with narrow green stripes; the gold intensifies in more light; turns pink-red to burgundy in fall; arching cascading bladesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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 (afternoon sun causes scorch). Consistent moisture — leaf tips brown in drought. Slow to establish (3–5 years). Cut dead foliage to ground in early spring. Monotypic genus. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5–9.Pruning
Cut dead foliage to the ground in early spring (March) before new growth. No other pruning needed. The cascading form develops naturally. Divide congested clumps in spring every 4–5 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons