holds the subalpine slopes against snow

Size
Height: 60–100 cm
Lifespan
15–25 years
Diet
Not applicable - autotrophic. Photosynthetic tussock grass. Obtains nutrients from well-drained, often poor soils in montane environments.
Habitat
Montane and subalpine grasslands, open slopes and herbfields. Prefers well-drained, often poor soils with full sun. Tolerates cold, wind, frost and snow.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in montane and subalpine areas. Widespread in tussock grasslands.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance and farming is the primary threat. Climate change affecting subalpine habitats. No significant pest or disease issues.
Population
Populations are considered stable but localised. The species is common in tussock grasslands throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by ongoing land clearance.
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 alpine and subalpine habitats in the South Island.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, snow tussock was used for thatching and for making brooms (rahurahu). The soft, weeping leaves were noted. The flower heads were used in decorations. The name refers to its habitat in snowy mountain areas. It was a plant of the high mountains, gathered by those who climbed the peaks, a resource from the snowy slopes, a decoration from the alpine zone.
Heavy snow falls on it. Chionochloa flavicans survives. It is a beautiful, weeping tussock grass with golden-green leaves and large, feathery flower heads. The leaves are soft and arching. They droop at the tips like a fountain. The flower heads are held on tall stalks. They rise above the foliage. They are large and feathery. Golden-brown to yellowish. They appear in summer. Snow tussock is found in montane and subalpine areas. It is often near the treeline. It is one of the hardiest tussock grasses. It survives heavy snow and severe frost. The weeping form helps shed snow. It prevents the tussock from being crushed. A design that raises questions. The answers are in the snow. The plant provides habitat for native birds, lizards and insects. The dense tussocks offer shelter from wind and cold. Ground-dwelling birds like the rock wren nest among the tussocks. Snow tussock is often grown as an ornamental grass in gardens. Its weeping form and feathery flower heads make it a striking addition to any landscape. It is hardy and requires little maintenance. To walk through a snow tussock grassland is to see the mountains at their most beautiful. The tussocks roll across the slopes. Their golden-green leaves catch the light. In summer, the feathery flower heads sway in the wind. In winter, the tussocks are buried in snow. They wait for spring. That is snow tussock. Weeping, hardy, and patient. It waits for spring. Evolution rarely revises the draft. In Māori tradition, snow tussock was used for thatching and for making brooms (rahurahu). The soft, weeping leaves were noted. The flower heads were used in decorations. The name refers to its habitat in snowy mountain areas. It was a plant of the high mountains, gathered by those who climbed the peaks, a resource from the snowy slopes, a decoration from the alpine zone.