Chionochloa flavicans facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chionochloa flavicans
Snow tussock showing plumes
Scientific classification
Genus:	Chionochloa
Species:	flavicans

Chionochloa flavicans is a special type of grass. It belongs to the large grass family and is often called "snow tussock." This plant is unique because of its distinctive look. It grows naturally only in New Zealand.

Its leaves can be up to 12 mm wide. This makes them wider than most other similar tussock grasses. In summer, Chionochloa flavicans grows beautiful, feathery plumes. These plumes might make it look a bit like the toetoe plant. Because of this, some people call it "miniature toetoe." However, from a science point of view, this name isn't quite right. The plumes start out green and then turn light brown as they get older.

The name C. flavicans sounds a lot like C. flavescens. But these two plants look very different from each other. C. flavicans is one of the easiest Chionochloa species to spot. This is thanks to its very clear and unique plumes.

There is a special type of this plant called C. flavicans forma temata. You can find it growing on Te Mata Peak. This peak is located near Havelock North in New Zealand.

Councils and road planners often plant Chionochloa flavicans. They use it for highway plantings because it needs very little care. This makes it a great choice for public spaces.

Where Does Snow Tussock Grow?

This amazing plant is found only in the North Island of New Zealand. You can see it growing in the Coromandel Peninsula. It also grows along the coast from the East Cape all the way to Hawke's Bay.

Images for kids

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  Plumes in March