Anemanthele Explained

Anemanthele is a genus of plants in the grass family native to New Zealand.^{[1] [2]}

The only known species is Anemanthele lessoniana, often called gossamer grass or New Zealand wind grass or pheasant's tail grass.^[3] This is a naturally rare grass in the wild but it is widely cultivated for use as an attractive ornamental garden plant. It is marginal in zone 8, going dormant and deciduous in cold winters, but usually evergreen to semi-evergreen. It has green arching foliage to 3 feet in USDA 8, with highlights of orange, copper, and gold, especially in drier soils.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[4]

External links

• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, Anemanthele lessoniana
• Royal Horticultural Society, Anemanthele lessoniana, pheasant's tail grass (syn. Stipa arundinacea)

Notes and References

1. Web site: The grass genera of the world: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval; including synonyms, morphology, anatomy, physiology, phytochemistry, cytology, classification, pathogens, world and local distribution, and references . 2009-08-19 . Watson L, Dallwitz MJ. . 2008 . The Grass Genera of the World .
2. Edgar, E. & H. E. Connor. 2000. Gramineae. Flora of New Zealand 5: 1–650.
3. Web site: Seedaholic Anemanthele lessoniana 'Pheasant's Tail Grass' . 31 March 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123333/http://www.seedaholic.com/anemanthele-lessoniana-pheasant-s-tail-grass.html . 2 April 2015 . dead .
4. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Anemanthele lessoniana. 23 February 2020.