Toetoe
Austroderia toetoe
Austroderia toetoe is a tall, graceful grass native to New Zealand, known for its large golden flower plumes. It is a key species in wetland and coastal habitats. Learn more about New Zealand grasses
Image credit: Austroderia Toetoe (Austroderia toetoe). Wikipedia
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Austroderia toetoe |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 4 m |
| Spread | Clumps up to 2 m across |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers moist soil but tolerates some drought |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (tolerates light frost) |
| Salt Tolerance | High (excellent coastal/salt wind tolerance) |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Perennial (long-lived, often decades) |
| City | 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 | Moderate |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Marginal |
Toetoe thrives in mild, coastal climates but can adapt to a wide range of conditions across New Zealand.
Soil
Moist, well-drained soils preferred.
Light
Full sun to partial shade.
Water
Regular watering, especially in dry periods.
Garden Uses
- Ornamental grass for wetland and coastal gardens
Cultural Significance
- Used in traditional Māori weaving and for shelter
Ecological Value
- Provides habitat for wetland birds and insects
Spring
Best time for planting and dividing clumps.
Summer
Water during dry spells; enjoy flowering plumes.
Autumn
Remove spent flower stalks.
Winter
Minimal care needed; tidy dead leaves if desired.
Remove old flower stalks and dead leaves in late autumn or winter to maintain appearance.
Plant toetoe in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space plants to allow for mature size.
Propagate by seed or by dividing established clumps in spring.
Toetoe has long been valued by Māori for weaving and as a building material for shelter.
Generally pest-free, but may be affected by rust or aphids in rare cases.
Try planting toetoe as a windbreak or to stabilize wetland edges.
