Austroderia richardii
Toetoe, also known as "cutty grass" due to its sharp-edged leaves, is New Zealand's most majestic native grass, forming commanding clumps that can reach 3 meters tall when in flower with spectacular arching, silvery-cream plumes that dance gracefully in the wind. This iconic South Island endemic, recently reclassified from Cortaderia to Austroderia richardii, creates dramatic displays along stream banks, wetlands, and coastal dunes with its pennant-shaped drooping inflorescences that stretch 30-60cm long. Named after French botanist Achille Richard, it holds deep cultural significance as the child of gods Tāne Mahuta and Ngaore in Māori tradition, and serves as a cornerstone species in New Zealand's wetland ecosystems while providing spectacular ornamental value in large-scale landscaping. native grasses
Image credit: Toetoe (Austroderia richardii). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Austroderia richardii (formerly Cortaderia richardii) |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5-3.0 meters (when flowering) |
| Spread | 1.5-2.0 meters |
| Water Needs | Moderate to high (wetland native) |
| Light | Full sun preferred |
| Frost Tolerance | Good (frost-prone regions) |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent (coastal dune native) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Toetoe is exceptionally adaptable throughout New Zealand, thriving from coastal to subalpine areas. It performs best in temperate climates with reliable moisture but demonstrates remarkable tolerance to diverse conditions including drought, frost, and coastal exposure.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Toetoe is remarkably adaptable to soil conditions:
Performs best in bright conditions:
Adaptable water needs:
Toetoe requires minimal maintenance:
The spectacular plumes are the main attraction, so avoid heavy pruning during the flowering display period. Handle with care due to sharp leaf edges.
The best time to plant Toetoe is during spring when soil temperatures are warming and plants can establish before the growing season.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish the extensive root system. Once established, this hardy grass requires minimal care.
Growing Toetoe from seed requires stratification:
Division is possible but challenging:
Toetoe readily naturalizes in suitable habitats through wind-dispersed seed, often establishing new colonies along waterways and coastal areas.
Toetoe (Austroderia richardii) represents both the botanical heritage of New Zealand and the deep spiritual connections within Māori culture:
Today, Toetoe stands as an icon of New Zealand's natural heritage, representing the successful conservation of native species while serving practical roles in large-scale landscaping, wetland restoration, and cultural preservation.
Provide good air circulation and avoid waterlogged conditions. Handle with care due to sharp leaf edges. Most problems are environmental rather than pest-related.
Plant Toetoe where its magnificent scale can be fully appreciated - alongside ponds, streams, or in large open spaces where the 3-meter flowering height creates maximum impact. The spectacular plumes are perfect for creating dramatic seasonal displays, and they move beautifully in wind, adding dynamic movement to the landscape. Space plants adequately (2m apart) to allow each specimen to develop its full commanding presence. Remember to distinguish it from invasive pampas grass - Toetoe has drooping, pennant-shaped plumes and stronger, multi-veined leaves. The sharp edges earn it the name "cutty grass," so handle with care during maintenance.
Toetoe (Austroderia richardii) is New Zealand's most majestic native grass, and its spectacular plumes make it a commanding presence in any landscape. When considering companion plants, look for other native grasses and sedges that complement its scale and tolerate similar moist to wet conditions, such as various *Austroderia* species or *Carex* species. These plants can create a cohesive and resilient native planting, enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of your garden, particularly in wetland or riparian areas.
Learn more about New Zealand's sacred plants in Cultural Treasures.
Austroderia richardii (toetoe; formerly Cortaderia richardii) forms huge tussocks with arching, cutting‑edged leaves and large, drooping, silky flower plumes to 3 m. The pendant plumes and strong leaves distinguish it from upright, invasive pampas.
Wetland edges, damp river flats, and seasonally moist hollows from coastal to subalpine zones, typically in free‑draining but moisture‑retentive, low‑nutrient soils with high light and airflow.
Extensive roots bind soil and intercept runoff; large tussocks create cover for invertebrates and birds. Plumes produce abundant seed dispersed by wind along valleys and waterways.
Structural keystone in wetland margins and open damp grasslands, adding height, movement, and year‑round habitat while stabilising fragile substrates.
Space 1.5–2 m apart for specimens. Water well during establishment; mulch to conserve moisture. Avoid high‑nitrogen fertiliser that produces weak, floppy growth.
Comb out dead foliage in late winter using gloves; remove spent plumes. Irrigate during prolonged dry spells. Distinguish plants from pampas and control nearby pampas to prevent confusion.
Magnificent beside ponds, swales, and in large meadows where plumes catch light and wind. Combine with toe‑toe species, sedges (Carex), and flaxes (Phormium).
Not Threatened. Use eco‑sourced plants in restoration and maintain hydrology where possible; exclude stock from sensitive margins to encourage recruitment.
Toetoe (Austroderia richardii) holds profound cultural significance in traditional Māori society as one of the most versatile and essential construction materials in indigenous architecture and crafts, with the straight, light-colored stems (kākaho) serving as the primary material for lining inner walls, roofs, and partitions of whare (houses) and other buildings. The name "toetoe" derives from the Māori word meaning "to shred or divide," reflecting the plant's fundamental role in traditional material culture where its fibers were carefully processed and prepared for numerous applications that supported daily life and cultural practices.
The traditional uses of toetoe demonstrate sophisticated ethnobotanical knowledge that enabled Māori communities to transform this native grass into essential tools and structures. The long, flexible leaves were expertly woven into baskets, kites, mats, and roof thatching, while specialized applications included creating water-resistant containers for cooking food in hot springs, taking advantage of the plant's natural fiber properties. The distinctive flower stalks served multiple purposes, providing frames for traditional kites and being incorporated into tukutuku panelling, the intricate decorative panels that adorned meeting houses and other culturally significant buildings.
Beyond practical applications, toetoe held important spiritual and medicinal significance in traditional Māori culture, featuring in pūrākau (traditional stories) as the child of Tāne Mahuta and Ngaore, connecting the plant to fundamental creation narratives. In rongoā Māori (traditional medicine), the seed heads were used to stop bleeding from fresh wounds, while other medicinal applications included treatments for diarrhea, kidney complaints, and burns. The plant's association with tohunga rituals, students of traditional knowledge, and mourning ceremonies demonstrates its deep integration into Māori spiritual and cultural practices, making toetoe not simply a utilitarian resource but a sacred component of traditional Māori worldview and cultural identity.
