Common Speargrass
Aciphylla squarrosa
The Common Speargrass (scientific name: Aciphylla squarrosa), also known as Spaniard or Taramea, is a robust and architectural perennial herb endemic to New Zealand. A prominent member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family, it is characterized by its dense, structural tussocks of rigid, bluish-grey leaves that terminate in needle-sharp spines. Thriving in open tussocklands and rocky slopes from sea level to montane regions, it is a hallmark of the South Island high-country. It is especially noted for its spectacular flowering stems that can reach up to 2 meters in height. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for all native species.
Plant Description
Identification and Physical Characteristics
Aciphylla squarrosa is a robust herbaceous perennial that forms massive, dense clumps of rigid, bluish-grey leaves. Each leaf is multiple-pinnate, divided into several long, narrow, spine-tipped segments, and can reach up to 1 meter in length. The foliage is characteristically leathery and designed to withstand the severe winds and intense light of its native mountain home. Flowering occurs from October to January, with stout, branching stems rising between 1 and 2 meters tall. These bear many small, scented flowers in compound umbels. As a dioecious species, it has separate male and female plants. The resulting fruits are dry schizocarps that are dispersed by the wind across the high-country basins.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Aciphylla squarrosa |
|---|---|
| Height | 30-80 cm rosettes; flowering stems 1-2 m |
| Spread | Up to 1 m across in mature plants |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; insists on sharply drained soils |
| Light | Full sun on exposed slopes |
| Frost Tolerance | High - hardy to severe alpine freezes |
| Salt Tolerance | Low; prefers inland alpine air |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (flowering after 5-7 years) |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial (several decades) |
Climate Best Suited to
Aciphylla squarrosais well adapted to various New Zealand regions.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | High |
| Wellington | High |
| Christchurch | Medium |
Plant Habitat
Natural Occurrence and Ecology
Common Speargrass occupies a broad ecological range from sea level to montane environments across the North and South Islands. Its natural habitat includes open tussocklands, rocky slopes, and stable fellfields where drainage is perfect and light is abundant. It shows a strong preference for well-drained, gritty mineral soils but is accustomed to the varied climates of its native range, from the coastal cliffs of Wellington to the subalpine basins of the Southern Alps. This species is often found in transition zones between shrubland and grassland, where it establishes its deep taproot in stable ground. It is highly resilient to the extreme conditions of its home, including severe frosts and gale-force winds.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Well-drained
- Loamy
Light Requirements
Grows best in partial to full sun.
- Full Sun
- Partial Shade
Water Requirements
Requires regular watering during dry periods.
- Regular
- Drought tolerant once established
Planting and Establishing
Establishment Guidance
Establishing Common Speargrass in a garden requires replicating its well-drained, high-light sub-alpine environment. It must be planted in an extremely well-drained, gritty or rocky soil mix to prevent root and crown rot, which is its primary vulnerability in cultivation. Choose an open, sunny position with excellent airflow. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and ensure the crown is slightly elevated to encourage rapid water runoff. Provide regular watering during its first summer to help the young plant establish its taproot, after which it becomes very hardy and drought-tolerant. It is an ideal candidate for raised beds and rockeries where drainage can be strictly controlled.
Ecological Role
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact
In its native ecosystems, Aciphylla squarrosa plays a vital role as a structural keystone species. Its formidable spiny architecture provides essential protection for smaller, more palatable native herbs, grasses, and fauna, creating localized 'safe sites' within the tussockland. It is the exclusive host plant for the endangered Speargrass Weevil (Lyperobius huttoni), which depends entirely on it for food and completion of its life cycle. During its spectacular flowering periods, the nectar-rich umbels attract a variety of native pollinators, including specialized alpine flies, bees, and moths. Like other speargrasses, its sharp spines are a classic example of evolutionary adaptation to deter browsing by extinct birds.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
Common Speargrass is an incomparable architectural specimen for larger New Zealand gardens. Its bold, structured form and unique bluish foliage make it a spectacular focal point in rock gardens or expansive native borders where it can be given enough room to reach its full potential. It provides a dramatic sense of scale and texture that few other herbaceous plants can match. However, due to its formidable spines and significant size, it should be positioned carefully away from paths, driveways, and areas where children or pets play to ensure safety while still allowing its impressive form to be admired.
- Architectural focal point
- Large native borders
Ecological Value
Ecologically, it is a key species for high-altitude restoration projects and soil stabilization on rocky slopes. It supports local biodiversity by providing habitat and nectar resources for specialized native fauna, most notably the endangered Speargrass Weevil, and contributes to the overall resilience of the mountain ecosystem.
- Speargrass Weevil host
- Soil stabilization
Landscaping Uses
In professional landscape design, Common Speargrass is used to add a sense of rugged, natural beauty and monumental structure. Its greyish-blue foliage provides a sophisticated colour palette that contrasts beautifully with natural stone and wooden architectural elements. It is ideal for mass planting on large, exposed banks where its structural presence can define the character of the site. The spectacular scale of its summer flowering stalks provides a dramatic vertical highlight that perfectly captures the essence of New Zealand's high-country aesthetic, making it a true icon of our national botanical identity.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
The start of the active growth phase. Remove any heavy winter debris caught in the rosette using long tweezers or careful pruning. This is the best time to apply a very light dressing of organic native fertilizer.
- Fertilize
- Mulch
Summer
Produces impressive flower stalks up to 2 meters tall. Provide deep watering during prolonged summer dry spells to maintain mat health, ensuring the crown remains dry to prevent any risk of rot from humidity.
- Water
- Check for pests
Autumn
The winged seeds mature and are dispersed by the wind in autumn. This is a good time to tidy the surrounding area and ensure the site remains free-draining before the onset of winter rains.
- Prune lightly
- Plant new specimens
Winter
Naturally very frost-hardy and snow-tolerant. Requires minimal care during the winter months; simply avoid any heavy disturbance to the root zone while the ground is frozen to protect the dormant crown.
- Frost protection
When to Prune and How Much
Common Speargrass requires very little conventional pruning. The dead leaves that accumulate at the base are a natural part of its growth habit and help protect the crown from environmental extremes. In a garden setting, individual dead or damaged leaves can be carefully removed to maintain a cleaner appearance. This should be done using sharp, long-handled loppers to keep a safe distance from the formidable spines. Always wear heavy-duty leather gloves and eye protection when working with this plant, as the needle-sharp leaf tips can cause significant injury.
- Remove dead branches
Always use clean, sharp tools.
How to Grow Common Speargrass
Growing Common Speargrass (Aciphylla squarrosa) from seed is the most reliable way to produce new plants. This long-lived perennial has a significant taproot and a single-crown habit that makes vegetative division difficult and highly risky. Success depends on sourcing fresh seed and providing the specific germination conditions that mimic its high-country home. Cultivating this species allows gardeners to establish a truly iconic piece of New Zealand's mountain flora.
From Seed
Seeds should be collected in late summer or autumn when the fruits are dry and ready to fall. For the best results, sow them fresh onto the surface of a gritty, free-draining seed-raising mix. They require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Placing the sown trays in a cool, protected outdoor position over winter allows natural temperature fluctuations to trigger germination in the spring. Patience is required, as speargrass seeds can sometimes be slow to sprout.
Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.
- Collect seeds
- Sow in trays
Keep moist until germination.
From Cuttings
Vegetative propagation via cuttings is not an option for this speargrass species. While extremely old plants might occasionally develop multiple crowns that could theoretically be divided, the risk of fatal damage to the primary taproot is very high. Focusing on seed propagation ensures healthy plants with strong taproots that can establish successfully in their permanent garden positions. This method also maintains the natural form and vigour of the plant, ensuring its long-term survival.
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Take cuttings
- Use rooting hormone
Additional Methods
Depending on the growth habit of Aciphylla squarrosa, other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.
Young speargrasses are slow-growing and must be protected from browsing by hares and rabbits, as they lack the formidable spines of mature specimens. Protect new plantings with wire mesh or other deterrents in areas where these animals are present. A top-dressing of crushed rock or gravel around the base of the plant will help keep the crown dry and provide a naturalistic mountain aesthetic.
- Divide clumps
- Replant immediately
Pests & Diseases
Common Speargrass is remarkably resistant to most common garden pests once established, as its sharp spines act as a formidable deterrent to most animals. The most significant threat is root and crown rot, caused by poor drainage, stagnant water, or excessive humidity. In early growth, newly emerging leaves may be targeted by slugs or snails. Choosing a well-ventilated, sunny position with perfect drainage is the best way to ensure the long-term health of the plant.
Cultural Significance
Common Speargrass, or Taramea, holds deep cultural significance for New Zealand. The highly aromatic gum or resin was historically a prized item, used as a fragrance and in various ceremonies. Its fierce spines also provided a natural form of protection for settlements. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of New Zealand's wild high-country heritage, representing the incredible scale and resilience of our native alpine flora and its unique relationship with endangered native fauna like the Speargrass Weevil.
- Traditional medicine
- Crafts
Bonus Tip
To truly appreciate the structure of Common Speargrass, plant it where its rosettes can be viewed from above, such as at the base of a retaining wall or in a low-lying area of a rock garden. The radiating symmetry of the spiny leaves creates a beautiful and mathematically perfect focal point.
Related Plants
Explore other native plants that share similar characteristics or habitats with Aciphylla Squarrosa ( Aciphylla squarrosa ), offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora. These related species provide context and opportunities for complementary planting in your garden.
Plant Conservation
Conservation Status
Currently classified as 'At Risk - Declining', Common Speargrass remains a significant part of New Zealand's high-country flora. Its populations have been impacted by habitat modification, competition from invasive weeds, and heavy browsing by introduced mammals. The decline of this plant is especially concerning as it is the primary host for the endangered Speargrass Weevil. Protecting intact alpine and montane habitats from disturbance and ensuring the continued health of the high-country ecosystems are essential conservation priorities for this iconic species.