Tassel Cord Rush Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold' (v)
ABOUT
Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold' commonly known as tassel cord rush, is a striking ornamental plant that features bright green, slender stems with an attractive golden yellow variegation. Its foliage appears somewhat like thin blades or cords, which lends the plant a delicate and fine-textured look. The stems are flexible and can sway gently in the breeze, adding dynamic movement to the garden setting. The most distinctive aspect of the tassel cord rush's appearance is undoubtedly its foliage color, with the green and yellow stripes running longitudinally down each stem. This variegation not only catches the eye but also brightens up the landscape, offering a cheerful contrast against darker foliage plants or those with solid green coloring. Throughout the growing season, the foliage maintains its vivid coloration, making it a consistent point of interest. In addition to the striking stems, the tassel cord rush may produce brownish, tassel-like flowers that sit atop the stems, giving the plant a characteristic look that inspired its common name. These flowers add an extra layer of texture and interest, enhancing the ornamental value of the plant. Overall, the appearance of Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold' is one of elegance and brightness, with its narrow, variegated stems providing a unique aesthetic appeal. It is often admired for its ability to add vertical accents to garden compositions and for bringing a touch of graceful beauty to the planting area.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Restionaceae
Synonyms
Tassel Cord Rush, Tassel Rush, Slender Cord Rush, Four-leaved Rope Rush
Common names
Restio tetraphyllus, Baloskion tetraphyllum, Hypolaena fastigiata, Restio fastigiatus
ToxicityTo humans
Tassel cord rush is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant material, it may cause discomfort or a reaction if ingested, particularly in individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities. It is generally advisable to refrain from ingesting any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for adverse effects. If ingestion occurs and symptoms appear, seeking medical advice is recommended.
To pets
Tassel cord rush is not widely recognized as toxic to pets. However, it is always wise to prevent pets from ingesting plants, since individual animals may have unique sensitivities and plants not generally considered toxic could still cause gastrointestinal upset or other health issues in some pets. Should a pet consume tassel cord rush and exhibit symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its striking variegated foliage.
- Habitat Friendly: Provides shelter and habitat for local wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively easy to maintain.
- Drought Tolerant: Capable of surviving dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Adaptable: Demonstrates a good level of adaptability to a range of soil types and conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest or distinct seasonal changes in appearance, contributing to landscape diversity.
- Texture Contrast: Provides texture contrast when planted with other garden plants, enhancing overall garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics due to its vivid coloration.
- Decorative arts: The dried stems can be included in floral arrangements or used in the creation of decorative wall pieces and wreaths.
- Soil erosion control: Planting this species along waterways can help to stabilize banks and prevent soil erosion due to their extensive root systems.
- Sound insulation: The dense growth can act as a sound barrier when planted in large clumps, reducing noise pollution in gardens and parks.
- Craft material: The reed-like stems can be harvested and used in basket weaving or other traditional crafts.
- Privacy screening: Its tall and dense growing nature makes it suitable for planting as a privacy screen in gardens or along borders.
- Insect habitat: The plant can offer a habitat to various insects, providing a benefit to the garden's ecosystem by encouraging biodiversity.
- Thatching material: Stems of the Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold' can be used as a material for thatching roofs in traditional building methods.
- Education: The plant can be used for educational purposes to demonstrate wetland ecology and plant life-cycle to students and nature enthusiasts.
- Culinary presentation: Young shoots or stems can be used as natural skewers or decorative elements in culinary presentations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Baloskion tetraphyllum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Baloskion tetraphyllum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Baloskion tetraphyllum, commonly known as Tassel Cord Rush, typically grows in swampy or wet areas, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Adaptability: Being able to grow in a variety of watery environments, Tassel Cord Rush represents the capacity to adapt to different situations.
- Purification: Since many rushes and similar plants are known for their role in water filtration and wetland health, Tassel Cord Rush can symbolize purification and cleansing.
- Flexibility: The long, slender stems of the Tassel Cord Rush that bend without breaking can be seen as a symbol of flexibility and strength through yielding.
- Growth: The 'Cornish Gold' variant, with its golden hues, may symbolize growth, vitality, and the enrichment of life.
WaterTassel cord rush requires consistent moisture and should ideally be kept in wet conditions, similar to its natural boggy habitat. It should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is kept damp but not waterlogged. Depending on the climate and the environment it is growing in, it may need watering once or twice a week. During hot spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain moisture levels, possibly around 1 to 2 gallons every few days. Ensure there is adequate drainage to prevent root rot, which can occur in overly saturated soils.
LightTassel cord rush thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to reduced vigor and fewer tassels. A spot that offers morning sunlight with some protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun would be ideal.
TemperatureTassel cord rush is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It prefers conditions between 50°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It can survive temperatures as low as around 20°F but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. During hot weather, ensure that the plant remains well-watered to cope with the heat.
PruningPruning tassel cord rush helps to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged foliage by cutting back to the base of the plant. Pruning can be done once a year, or as needed, to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTassel Cord Rush prefers consistently moist, fertile loam with good drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A mix of 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part topsoil is ideal. Maintain pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingTassel Cord Rush should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil, best done in late winter or early spring before the onset of rapid growth.
Humidity & MistingTassel Cord Rush thrives at high humidity levels, preferably around 70-80%, which mimics its natural boggy habitat conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use a peat-based mix, ensure high humidity, and partial shade.
Outdoor
Plant in moist soil, partial sun, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold', commonly known as Tassel Cord Rush, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in moist conditions ideal for this water-loving plant. Following germination, seedlings develop a root system and start to produce the distinctive green and gold-striped, reed-like foliage that emerges in a tufted, clumping form. As the plant matures, it grows taller, reaching up to 1 meter or more, with the foliage darkening in winter but maintaining its variegated pattern. The Tassel Cord Rush then develops brownish tassel-like flower spikes during the summer months, which are indicative of the plant's reproductive phase. Post pollination, these flowers give way to seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. After several years, older clumps may become less vigorous and can be divided in early spring, thus propelling a new cycle of growth and propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Fall
Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Cornish Gold', commonly known as Tassel Cord Rush, is best propagated by division, which involves separating its clumps into smaller sections. This is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. When dividing the Tassel Cord Rush, gardeners should carefully lift the entire clump out of the ground using a spade or fork, ensuring that they preserve as much of the root system as possible. The clump can then be pulled apart by hand or cut with a sharp knife into pieces, each with a portion of roots and leaves. The new divisions should be planted immediately at the same depth they were growing before and watered in well. This method of propagation allows for quick establishment of new plants and helps to invigorate older clumps by reducing overcrowding.
