grass · design plant record

Hakonechloa macra

Japanese forest grass

Arching deciduous foliage for a shaded edge, with autumn colour depending on cultivar and conditions.

Height at maturity

0.3–0.46 m (1–1.5 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.3–0.61 m (1–2 ft)

Light

Part shade / Shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

5–9 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Fit it to the site

Rich, consistently moist, draining soil; not heavy clay or saturated ground.

Not a winter evergreen. NC State cautions about hot southern-US summers, including zones 8–9 despite the cold-hardiness range. Avoid very dry soil.

Keep the care in the decision

Cut old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth. Inspect moisture and winter heaving; enlarging clumps may eventually need division.

Origin & safety checks

Japan.

Toxicity not assessed here; local invasive status still needs checking.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.