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common tussock grass

Common tussock grass plays a vital role in New Zealand gardens, landscapes, and natural environments. With its characteristic clumping growth form and graceful, arching foliage, tussock grass adds texture, movement, and structure to a wide range of planting schemes. These versatile grasses are well-suited to native revegetation projects, low-maintenance gardens, and habitat restoration, as well as providing shelter and food for native fauna. Whether you're creating a windbreak, enhancing a wetland edge, or simply seeking year-round colour and interest, common tussock grass is a smart, sustainable choice.

Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.

Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

5 from 2 customers

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage. Naturally found along wetlands, streams, and swampy areas, it provides important habitat for wildlife while adding texture and movement to the landscape. Hardy and versatile, Pukio thrives in a wide range of conditions, making it ideal for both ecological restoration projects and ornamental NZ gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.

Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It typically grows to 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width, preferring a full sun or partial shade position on a well-drained site. Poa cita is also often included in borders, rock gardens, mass-planted on a bank, or planted to help minimize erosion. Landscape designers in NZ frequently use Silver Tussock in alpine-themed gardens or modern gardens for their rounded, architectural form.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.
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Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
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Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

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Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
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Apodasmia similis growing in a rock garden.
Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi)

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Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

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Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to...

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Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

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Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
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Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

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Lomandra 'Misty Green' plants with cascading green foliage growing a bank.
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Lomandra Misty Green is an ornamental grass with delicate, dark green foliage and a tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 40 cm in height and width...

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Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and...

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Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

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TURFIX

TURFIX is a common herbicide used to control the most common broadleaf weeds and clovers in new and established lawns. It will control Clover...

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Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

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Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
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Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
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Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

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Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
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Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

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Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
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Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
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An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

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From$19.95
Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
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Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

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Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
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The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

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A large planting of Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat Grass) as a feature garden.
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Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

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Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
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Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

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Callisia repens

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Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Apodasmia, Calamagrostis, and Carex, or related Categories - Grasses, and Perennials.

Search common tussock grass

What Is Common Tussock Grass?

Common tussock grass refers to a group of native New Zealand grasses that form dense, tufted clumps known as tussocks. Iconic across Aotearoa's landscapes, these grasses thrive in a variety of settings from open hillsides to wetlands. Famous examples found in gardens and restoration planting include Poa cita, also called Silver Tussock, and Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock). Each species offers its own unique form, foliage colour, and tolerance to site conditions.

Benefits and Uses of Common Tussock Grass

Common tussock grass offers both beauty and utility in the garden. Their fine-textured foliage creates lovely contrasts against bold-leafed plants, while the upright habit provides architectural accents. Tussocks are tough and adaptable, tolerating drought, poor soils, wind, and frosts once established. Many species are ideal for low-maintenance landscaping, erosion control on slopes, and restoring disturbed land.

In more formal designs, common tussock grass pairs well with other New Zealand natives, creating a naturalistic aesthetic. Grasses like Austrostipa stipoides (Spear Grass) and Festuca actae (Blue Tussock) introduce contrasting hues and forms for added interest. In wetter areas, Carex secta (Swamp Sedge) serves as an excellent companion, helping with water filtration and habitat creation.

Key Species of Common Tussock Grass

Growing and Caring for Common Tussock Grass

Plant common tussock grass in well-drained soil and a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Space tussocks according to mature size, allowing each plant to form its full, tufted shape. Mulch well after planting, and water until established. Most species are drought-tolerant but appreciate occasional summer watering in very dry regions. Remove older, dead foliage in late winter or spring to keep your tussocks looking tidy and vibrant.

Find the Right Tussock Grass for Your Garden

Whether you're after colour, movement, or ecological resilience, common tussock grass offers endless possibilities for New Zealand gardens. Browse our selection of natives like Poa cita, Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock), and Festuca actae (Blue Tussock) to find the perfect tussock for your project.


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