silvering the open lowland grasslands

Size
Height: 30–60 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Diet
Not applicable - autotrophic. Photosynthetic grass. Obtains nutrients from well-drained soils in open, sunny environments.
Habitat
Lowland and montane grasslands, open slopes, forest margins and disturbed areas. Prefers well-drained soils with full sun. Tolerates drought, wind and moderate frost.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in lowland and montane grasslands. Widespread in open areas and forest margins.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance and farming is the primary threat. Competition from introduced grasses. Climate change affecting grassland habitats.
Population
Populations are considered stable but localised. The species is common in grasslands throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by competition from introduced grasses.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
caution
Handling Note
sharp tussock leaves cause skin lacerations, wear long trousers in the field
Conservation Note
Endemic tussock grass; widespread in montane and alpine habitats throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, silver tussock was used for thatching and for making brooms (rahurahu). The leaves were also used for weaving. The silvery colour of the leaves was noted. The grass was known as a sign of healthy, open grasslands. It was a plant of the lowland plains, gathered by those who knew the open places, a resource from the grassy slopes.
The leaves are narrow and arching. They have a silvery sheen that gives Poa cita its name. The colour comes from fine hairs on the leaf surface. They reflect light. The flower heads are delicate and airy. They are held on slender stalks above the leaves. They appear in summer. They are followed by small seeds. A grass that shines in the sun. Silver tussock forms neat, rounded tussocks. It is one of the most widespread native grasses in New Zealand. It is found from sea level to the montane zone. A grass that gets around. It is an important component of native grasslands. It provides habitat for insects and lizards. The dense tussocks offer shelter from wind and predators. The seeds are eaten by birds. A grass that gives back. The plant was used by Māori for thatching and for making brooms (rahurahu). The leaves were also used for weaving small items. The silvery colour was admired. A practical plant, not just a pretty one. To find silver tussock is to walk the open grasslands and forest margins. Look for the neat, rounded tussocks of silvery-green leaves. The flower heads sway in the wind. They are delicate and airy. It is a plant of the open places. A grass of the sunny slopes. The Māori name is recorded in some regions. The plant was known, used, and valued. Not famous. Not rare. Just useful. That is silver tussock. Common, silvery, and widespread. A grass of the open places. A plant that gives shelter and material. A quiet presence on the sunny slopes. It carries on.