Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
Also listed as Phragmites macer, Phragmites oyyamensis
Also known as Hakone Grass
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate ornamental grass with fine, cascading foliage that ranges from golden-yellow to green depending on variety. It thrives in shaded woodland settings and provides year-round textural interest in containers and borders.
Why grow it
Japanese forest grass outperforms many temperate ornamental grasses in deep shade, where most turf and ornamental grass alternatives struggle. Its fine, arching texture provides visual contrast to broad-leaved shade plants and hostas without the coarse appearance of larger grass species. The cultivar range offers flexibility in color palettes, from golden foliage to green, making it useful for designers seeking subtle seasonal variation in shade gardens.
Watch out for
Plants can appear sparse or slow to establish during the first growing season, particularly if planted in spring rather than fall. Consistent moisture is important, especially in containers, where the shallow root system can dry out quickly in hot weather. Very dense shade or competition from tree roots may limit vigor compared to open woodland settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate ornamental grass with fine, cascading foliage that ranges from golden-yellow to green depending on variety. It thrives in shaded woodland settings and provides year-round textural interest in containers and borders.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Forest Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese forest grass outperforms many temperate ornamental grasses in deep shade, where most turf and ornamental grass alternatives struggle. Its fine, arching texture provides visual contrast to broad-leaved shade plants and hostas without the coarse appearance of larger grass species. The cultivar range offers flexibility in color palettes, from golden foliage to green, making it useful for designers seeking subtle seasonal variation in shade gardens.
Watch out for
Plants can appear sparse or slow to establish during the first growing season, particularly if planted in spring rather than fall. Consistent moisture is important, especially in containers, where the shallow root system can dry out quickly in hot weather. Very dense shade or competition from tree roots may limit vigor compared to open woodland settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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