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oioi nz

Oioi (Apodasmia similis) is a distinctive native grass-like plant found in wetlands and coastal habitats across New Zealand. Known for its upright, wiry stems and natural resilience, Oioi is increasingly valued in eco-friendly landscaping, riparian restoration, and ornamental gardens. As an integral part of New Zealand’s flora, Oioi offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, making it a popular choice for gardeners and environmentalists seeking to use “oioi nz” in their outdoor spaces.

Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi)

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Oi Oi, Jointed Wire Rush

Apodasmia similis, commonly known as Oioi or Jointed Wire Rush, is a hardy native grass-like plant found throughout New Zealand. It is ideal for coastal areas, wetland restoration, and native revegetation projects due to its tolerance of salt winds and periodic inundation. Oioi forms attractive clumps of fine, jointed stems with a silvery-green tone, providing year-round interest as it grows to 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width. This plant is low-maintenance, evergreen, and excellent for erosion control and habitat restoration.

Apodasmia similis growing in a rock garden.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    60 cm
  • Spread:
    50 cm
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi)

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What is Oioi (Apodasmia similis)?

Oioi, also known as jointed rush, is a perennial rush with striking blue-green stems reaching heights of up to 1.5 metres. Unlike typical grasses, Oioi’s delicate stems form dense clumps that sway gracefully in the wind, lending movement and texture to garden beds. The plant thrives in a variety of settings, from freshwater margins to salty estuaries—making Oioi NZ one of the most versatile native rushes.

Oioi NZ Plant Uses

Oioi is highly regarded for its ability to stabilise soil and filter water, making it perfect for riparian plantings and wetland restoration projects. Its salt tolerance means it’s ideal for coastal gardens where other plants might struggle. In urban landscaping, Oioi NZ is used to create low-maintenance borders, rain gardens, and striking native-themed displays. The plant’s strong vertical form pairs beautifully with other ornamental grasses such as Festuca glauca and Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', adding contrast and texture to mixed plantings.

Growing and Caring for Oioi NZ

Oioi enjoys full sun to part shade and thrives in moist to wet soils, though it can handle moderate drought once established. Plant young Oioi NZ in well-prepared soil, spacing clumps 30–50cm apart for mass planting. Maintenance is simple: trim back dead stems in late winter, and keep roots cool with mulch. Oioi’s robust nature means it can withstand harsh conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardens throughout New Zealand. If you’re creating a native-style garden, Oioi combines seamlessly with other low-maintenance species like Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope 'Elmarco'.

Oioi NZ for Biodiversity and Native Gardens

As a native plant, Oioi supports local biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, insects, and aquatic life. Its dense clumps protect shorelines from erosion and improve water quality in streams and ponds. For gardeners wanting to restore nature and support wildlife, pairing Oioi NZ with other native wetland species—such as Gahnia setifolia (Mapere)—helps create biodiverse, resilient landscapes.

Purchase Oioi NZ and Related Plants

At our nursery, we offer Oioi NZ plants ready for your garden or restoration project. Discover a range of complementary grasses, including Festuca glauca, Ophiopogon japonicus, Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', Gahnia setifolia (Mapere), and Liriope 'Elmarco'. Enhance your garden’s natural beauty with Oioi NZ—the ultimate choice for sustainable landscaping in New Zealand.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Our most famous blooms include Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii, but some of our best-kept secrets are Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus, Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai), and Chaenomeles 'Alarm' (Flowering Quince) — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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