Toetoe Austroderia richardii
Toetoe (Austroderia richardii) is an evergreen perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to South Island, New Zealand (endemic). It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Toetoe in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Toetoe at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South Island, New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Toetoe toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaf edges
Leaf margins are sharp-edged.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Toetoe
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Toetoe
- How far apart should I plant Toetoe?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Toetoe need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Toetoe need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Toetoe?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Toetoe flower?
- From about November for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Toetoe poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Leaf margins are sharp-edged.
- What grows well with Toetoe?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Toetoe. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Arching creamy plumes from early summer; the native alternative to invasive South American pampas grass.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium