colours the high country alpine slopes

Size
Height: 20–40 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Diet
Not applicable as this is a grass. Photosynthetic. Absorbs nutrients through roots. Tolerates extreme cold, wind, frost and snow.
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine grasslands, rocky slopes and herbfields. Prefers well-drained, often poor soils with full sun. Tolerates extreme cold, wind, frost and snow.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in alpine and subalpine areas. Widespread in high country.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Climate change affecting alpine habitats is the primary threat. Browsing by introduced mammals. No significant pest or disease issues. Protection of alpine habitats is important for survival.
Population
Populations are considered stable but vulnerable to climate change. The species is common in alpine areas throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by warming temperatures. Protection of alpine habitats is important.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native tussock, soft leaves safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic tussock grass; common in alpine and subalpine environments.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, blue tussock was used for thatching and for making brooms (rahurahu). The blue-grey colour was noted. The alpine habitat was known to Māori who travelled through the mountains. It was a plant of the high peaks. Gathered by those who climbed the mountains. A resource from the alpine zone. A blue-grey grass in the white snow.
Leaves are blue-grey. Blue tussock is a beautiful grass found in alpine and subalpine areas. It forms neat, rounded clumps. The blue colour comes from a waxy coating. This protects the leaves from cold and wind. The leaves are narrow and soft. They arch outward from the centre of the clump. The flower heads are delicate and airy. Held on slender stalks above the leaves. They appear in summer. Followed by small seeds. The plant is very hardy. It survives extreme cold and snow. It grows in alpine grasslands, rocky slopes, and herbfields. Often at the very edge of plant life. Blue tussock provides habitat for alpine insects and lizards. The dense clumps offer shelter from wind and cold. The seeds are eaten by birds. The blue-grey colour is an adaptation to the harsh alpine environment. The waxy coating reflects excess light. It reduces water loss. The colour also helps the plant blend in with the surrounding rocks and scree. To find blue tussock is to climb the mountains. Look for the neat, rounded clumps of blue-grey leaves. Look for the delicate flower heads. It is a plant of the high places. A grass of the alpine zone. The blue colour stands out against the grey rock. A flash of colour in the cold. That is blue tussock. Blue-grey, hardy, and alpine. It grows where almost nothing else can. That is enough.