Japanese Forest Grass Hakonechloa macra
ABOUT
The Hakonechloa macra, commonly referred to as Japanese forest grass, is a perennial grass that boasts a graceful, cascading habit with a lush, mounding form. It is noted for its attractive foliage, which can come in a range of green shades, sometimes accompanied by golden or yellow variations, and in certain varieties, highlights of red or pink tones, especially as the cooler months arrive. The leaves are slender, elongated, and arch outwards from the center of the plant, resembling the flowing water of a fountain. During the growing season, the foliage can have a soft and airy texture, making it appear almost as if it's moving with the slightest breeze. The leaves are often finely pointed, with a gentle ripple along their length, adding to the visual interest of the plant. Japanese forest grass can produce delicate flower spikes, which typically rise above the foliage in late summer to early fall. These flowers are subtle compared to the striking leaves and may go unnoticed, as they often blend in with the color and texture of the surrounding leaves. With its distinct mounding growth and ability to soften the landscape, Japanese forest grass is often used in garden design to add texture and movement. It's well-suited for shaded to partially shaded areas, often used as a ground cover, in borders, or along paths, where its soft, undulating appearance contributes a sense of tranquility to the garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Forest Grass, Hakone Grass, Mountain Grass.
Common names
Hakonechloa macra.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese forest grass is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it should not cause any harm if accidentally consumed in small quantities.
To pets
Japanese forest grass is also non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. There are no significant reports of adverse effects from animals ingesting this plant, so it is considered safe for pets in a home or garden setting.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Japanese forest grass, with its graceful habit and attractive foliage, provides visual interest to garden compositions.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It is suitable for a variety of garden styles, including Japanese, contemporary, or woodland gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady conditions where many other plants struggle, expanding landscaping possibilities in low-light areas.
- Seasonal Interest: With leaves that change color through the seasons, it offers a dynamic display from spring to fall.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a convenient option for busy gardeners.
- Erosion Control: The dense, clumping growth habit helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Support: It can provide habitat and shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Combination Planting: It complements other plants well, both in texture and color, making it a good choice for mixed borders.
- Drought Tolerance: Although it prefers consistently moist soil, it can tolerate periods of dryness once well established.
- Winter Interest: The dried foliage and seed heads can provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hakone Grass can be used in crafts for its pliable stems, often incorporated into handmade paper or used to create delicate, woven ornaments.
- In Japan, Hakone Grass is sometimes used in the art of miniature garden scenes, called "bonkei," to simulate larger grassy landscapes.
- This ornamental grass can be used in aquascaping, providing a natural-looking backdrop that simulates an underwater grass bed when submerged.
- Hakone Grass is a popular plant for creating green roofs due to its hardy nature and shallow root system, which makes it ideal for covering building rooftops with vegetation.
- Clumps of Hakone Grass can function as sound barriers in small gardens, as their dense foliage can help muffle noise pollution.
- It's also ideal for use in floral arrangements, especially in ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement), where its flowing form adds movement and grace to compositions.
- The textured leaves of Hakone Grass can also serve as a natural dye source, providing a range of greens and yellows depending on the mordant used.
- For a natural garden path, Hakone Grass can be planted between stepping stones, where it creates a soft, living walkway that withstands light foot traffic.
- Hakone Grass is occasionally used in living walls or vertical gardens due to its adaptability and the attractive cascade of its foliage.
- In landscape design, Hakone Grass can be employed as a ground cover in forest gardens, where it can contribute to creating a lush, woodland understory.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Forest Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJapanese Forest Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peaceful Retreat: Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese forest grass, often symbolizes serenity and a peaceful escape, echoing the calmness of the forests and gardens of Japan where it is typically found.
- Balance: The flowing nature of Japanese forest grass represents balance and harmony, suitable for garden designs that aim for equilibrium and natural flow.
- Beauty in Simplicity: This plant is emblematic of the beauty found in simplicity, with its straightforward yet graceful appearance reflecting the minimalist beauty often sought in Asian-inspired gardens.
- Natural Movement: Japanese forest grass gracefully sways with the breeze, symbolizing flexibility and the gentle dance with nature.
- Growth: As a perennial plant, it embodies growth and renewal, returning each year with renewed vigor, and speaks to the resilience and continuous life cycle in nature.
WaterHakone grass, known commonly as Japanese forest grass, requires consistent moisture but should never be left in standing water. Generally, the plant needs to be watered weekly, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not soggy. It's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage root development. Assess the soil moisture by feeling the soil; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water again, aiming for a total of approximately 3 gallons over the course of a month for an established plant.
LightJapanese forest grass thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or light shade, as too much direct sun can scorch its delicate leaves. The ideal location provides morning sun and afternoon shade, or a constant filter of light such as that found under the canopy of tall deciduous trees.
TemperatureJapanese forest grass does best in temperature conditions that range from 60 to 75°F as an ideal. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can stress the plant, so it's important to offer some protection if extreme temperatures are expected.
PruningTo maintain health and appearance, Japanese forest grass should be pruned annually. Cut the foliage back to about 3 inches from the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This removes dead leaves and allows the new leaves unrestricted growth. Pruning is generally done once a year, and the best time for it is just before the plant comes out of dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Forest Grass prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a slight acidity to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A blend of two parts peat moss or coconut coir, one part perlite, and one part compost would create an optimal environment for its growth.
RepottingJapanese Forest Grass should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth. However, it is tolerant of being slightly root-bound and does not require frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Forest Grass thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity. Ensuring adequate humidity will promote lush foliage and optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and amend soil with organic matter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese forest grass, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, germinates to sprout small seedlings. These seedlings then grow into clumps of arching, mounded grass, with blades often displaying shades of green, gold, or variegated patterns. During its vegetative stage, the grass expands through rhizomes and tillers, thickening its clump and spreading slowly to cover more ground. In midsummer to early fall, Hakonechloa macra produces delicate, airy flower spikes that rise above the foliage, which, upon pollination, produce seeds for the next generation. As a perennial, it enters a dormant phase in the winter, where above-ground growth dies back, and it conserves energy in its root system. With the arrival of spring, the grass revives from dormancy, initiating a new cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is by division. The ideal time for dividing this grass is in the spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. To propagate by division, dig up an established clump of the grass and gently pull apart or cut the clump into smaller sections, each with several growing points and a portion of the root system intact. These sections can then be immediately replanted in soil that has been well-prepared with organic matter, at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the divisions thoroughly after planting. This method quickly produces new plants that are identical to the parent and will usually establish and begin growing vigorously within the growing season.
